By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — A labor group on Wednesday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to observe the Labor Code in providing alien employment permit (AEP) for foreign workers.
The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) noted that the rule on hiring foreign workers under Article 40 of the Labor Code must be followed to stop the deluge of workers from other countries.
“Employment of non-resident aliens is regulated by DOLE and permit from it is required before they can be allowed to work in our country under Article 40 of the Labor Code,” the group said in a statement.
“We call on the regional directors to be faithful to their mandate under Article 40 of the Labor Code,” it added.
The FFW believed that the DOLE is not strict in granting AEPs.
“It can be seen published in our daily newspapers that DOLE regional offices have been issuing left and right alien working permits,” it said.
“We call on DOLE to focus on protecting our jobs from being taken by illegal aliens,” the group added.
An AEP is one of the requirements for the issuance of work visas to foreigners who intend to engage in gainful employment in the Philippines.