DILI, 04 june 2021, (TATOLI) – The Secretary of State of Professional Training and Employment (SEFOPE), in cooperation with the South Korean Human Resources Development Services of the Ministry of Labour, facilitated another 65 Timorese workers to fly to South Korea with Air Asia, at around 1:55 local time, today.
“80 Timorese workers had been prepared to fly to South Korea today, but due to Covid-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol, only 70 workers are allowed to board the flight, to maintain physical distancing of passengers, while the other 10 Timorese workers will fly to South Korea next month. Unfortunately, among the 70 workers, 5 were tested positive for coronavirus, that’s why only 65 workers are flying today to South Korea,” the National Director of State Secretary for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), Filomeno Soares made the comments at the Dili International Airport, today.
Soares said those 15 workers who couldn’t depart today, would fly to South Korea next time.
“We will discuss with the government of South Korea to see how we can facilitate those 15 workers, who cannot depart today to fly next time,” said Soares.
Soares affirmed that the five workers who tested positive for coronavirus were immediately subjected to the mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
Soares informed that, so far, 420 Timorese workers had completed their tests and ready to be departed to work in South Korea at any time.
According to SEFOPE data, from 2019 to 2000, SEFOPE had sent a total of 3. 696 Timorese workers to work in South Korea, in the fisheries, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors.
Journalist: Natalino da Costa
Editor: Julia Chatarina/ translator: Filomeno Martins
