Rules for Special Work Permits for Foreign Artists

The promoter or organizer of the event within the Philippines is responsible for filing the SWP application.
Filing must be done on behalf of the foreign artist, athlete, or religious preacher.

Applications must be filed at least three (3) working days before the scheduled event.
Late applications filed less than three working days before the event must pay double the express lane fee of PHP 1,000 per foreign individual.
Applications filed on the day of or after the event will be denied and subject to sanctions.

The application follows a defined multi-level procedure:
- Central Receiving Unit (CRU): Verifies completeness and payment and forwards the application within four (4) hours.
- Office of the Commissioner (OCOM): Designated officer evaluates and prepares a recommended Order within twenty-four (24) hours.
- Commissioner: Reviews and acts on the recommended Order.
- OCOM: Releases the approved Order and official receipts at least one day before the event to the promoter’s authorized representative and sends records to the Records Section.

Foreign individuals performing or participating without a valid SWP will be:
- Ordered to leave the Philippines.
- Blacklisted by the Bureau of Immigration.
Event promoters/organizers who fail to secure SWP will be banned from future transactions with the Bureau of Immigration.

All prior rules, procedures, guidelines, and issuances inconsistent with this Order are repealed or modified accordingly.

The Order takes effect immediately upon approval on 23 September 2014.
The circular is furnished to appropriate government legal and administrative bodies for information and compliance.