Aliens’ Boracay work permits suspended

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment has suspended the issuance of work permits for foreigners in Boracay until the six-month closure to tourism ends. 

In an advisory, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said the agency would also cease accepting applications for renewal of alien employment permits (AEP), although foreigners who are commissioned or authorized by the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force and those with permanent or probationary resident visa are exempted.

“The exemption also includes foreign nationals who come to Boracay to conduct research studies or undertake work related to the island’s rehabilitation,” he said.

Last Friday, the local police also refused to allow a humanitarian mission group to enter Boracay due to the lack of permit to distribute food and relief items to residents and workers affected by the temporary closure of the island.

Senior Superintendent Jesus Cambay, Jr., commander of the Metro Boracay Police Task Force, explained that while humanitarian missions could enter Boracay, “they must secure prior approval from the agencies concerned.” – With Jennifer Rendon, Rhodina Villanueva