The Department of Finance (DOF) said local labor should not worry about the government importing foreign workers to help build the various public infrastructures as only highly technical or managerial workers are given visas to work in the country under the law.
According to Finance Undersecretary Antonette C. Tionko, work visas are only issued to foreign workers that posses highly technical or managerial skills needed by the government or private corporations.
“This shouldn’t happen because the law only allows special work permits to be issued to aliens who are either highly technical or managerial. Other than that, the law doesn’t allow them to be given visas to work. That is very clear,” Tionko told financial reporters.
The Labor Code of the Philippines, under Section 2 Article 40, says alien employment permits (AEPs) are issued whenever the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) finds that no Filipino applicant is able to perform the same service at the time of application.
“The employment permit may be issued to a nonresident alien or to the applicant employer after a determination of the non-availability of a person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing at the time of application to perform the services for which the alien is desired,” it said.
Earlier, Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said the construction sector has a shortage of skilled workers that needs to be addressed quickly given the push for the buildup of the various public infrastructures.
Diokno said if the need arises, the government may import skilled workers with advanced knowledge in construction, which includes countries, such as China or South Korea.
According to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, although it is not government policy to import labor, if there is a need for highly skilled workers, then these will be brought in.
“No, that is not government policy to import labor. But if you need special skills and they are not available in the country, then you bring them in and we do,” Dominguez said.
The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) earlier presented a multiyear infrastructure program involving a total 4,895 priority projects requiring P3.608 billion.
“There is a law that allows foreign workers to work in this country. I’m not saying we will import hoards of people. I’m saying we will follow the law. The law is there,” he added.