Philippines: Updated PEZA Visa Documentation Requirements

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has introduced changes to its visa documentation requirements. Among the key changes, the previously mandatory requirement of the Understudy Training Program or Skills Development Program for PEZA visa applications has been removed. However, labor officials may still request it on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, foreign nationals who are downgrading their PEZA visa due to changing their job title or position (while remaining under the same employer), which typically required leaving the country to secure a new visa, will now be exempt from the Order to Leave requirement. Instead, applicants will be required to submit a confirmed employment contract and express their immediate intent to secure a PEZA visa. Lastly, applicants nearing their visa's expiry (less than 30 days validity) no longer need to send a letter to the Director General to proceed with the renewal application.