NATIONAL government agencies are set to implement stringent guidelines on alien workers in the country.

Under the joint guidelines signed by Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), foreign nationals are required to submit their tax identification number before they can be issued with an Alien Employment Permit (AEP).

This is to ensure that foreign nationals working in the country are paying their taxes.

“Tax identification number is really a must in applying for AEP, Special Working Permit (SWP) and Provisional Work Permit because there will already be check and balance between and among Dole, DOJ, BI and BIR to keep track of how many foreigners are working here and how many among them pay their taxes,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

The guidelines also aim to prioritize and avoid displacement of Filipino workers.

“Dole will be very strict in ensuring that foreign workers will not be given AEP for jobs that can be done by Filipinos. For example, we will not issue permit to a Vietnamese or Korean national who wants to apply as an electrician or plumber because a Filipino will be displaced in that instance,” the secretary said.

He added that the BI, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and those in the special economic zones have already submitted their list of workers with permits to Dole.

Bello also assured that temporary work visa given to foreigners will not be abused because the SWP is only valid for a minimum of three months and maximum of six months, without extension.

Among those who are covered under the SWP are professional athletes, international performers, service suppliers, treasure hunters, movie and television crew, foreign journalists, trainees assigned in government institutions, people pursuing academic work, missionaries and preachers, commercial models, culinary chefs, professionals, and consultants. (PR)