In line with the Visit RP 2003 program of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and in appreciation for the South Korean Government ™s efforts to promote tourism in the Philippines by issuing positive travel advisories, these guidelines are issued to govern the issuance of special work permits (SWP) to DOT-accredited South Korean tour guides.

A SWP shall be issued to a DOT-accredited South Korean tour guide, upon application to the Commissioner of Immigration under Commonwealth Act (C.A.) No. 613, Section 42 (a) (32).

Each SWP issued to a DOT-accredited South Korean tour guide under these guidelines shall be renewed every three-months without need of re-application, subject to the following:

1. The total extensions for each SWP shall not exceed one year;

2. After such one-year period, the South Korean tour guide concerned may opt to apply for a pre-arranged employment visa under C.A. No. 613, Section 9(g), provided, an alien employment permit is secured from the Department of Labor and Employment; and

3. The SWP shall remain valid within the periods provided in paragraphs (1) and (2) of these guidelines, despite temporary visits abroad by the South Korean tour guide concerned.

These guidelines shall remain effective until such time that the DOT certifies that the services of a local tour guide can be engaged in lieu of the South Korean tour guide concerned.

Adopted: 6 Feb. 2003

(SGD.) ANDREA D. DOMINGO
Commissioner