DILI, 21 october 2021 (2021) – The Secretary of State of Professional Training and Employment (SEFOPE), in cooperation with the South Korean Human Resources Development Services of the Ministry of Labor, facilitated another 60 Timorese workers to work in South Korea.
The 60 Timorese workers will be working in two sectors, namely factories and fisheries.
The National Director of State Secretary for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), Filomeno Soares said South Korea is going to receive more Timorese workers, saying, therefore, the government had been putting efforts to prepare more Timorese workers to be sent to work in South Korea.
“We have a total of 60 Timorese workers. Nineteen of these workers are under the re-entry program. Another 16 new workers will be working in the manufacturing sector, while 25 others are going to work in the fisheries sector. These workers stayed overnight under isolation at the four hotels in Dili,” Soares told reporters at the Nicolau Lobato International Airport, on thursday.
He explained after arriving in South Korea, they will be under mandatory quarantine for 14 days before starting their work.
“Good preparation is needed to prevent unexpected failure during their trip. So, we pray for their protection. Soon, these workers will be received by the South Korea Government. We need to earn South Korea’s trust to take more Timorese workers.”
One of the 60 Timorese workers, Armindo Afonso was delighted to be allowed to work in South Korea.
He said the opportunity would help him to boost his family’s economic hardship.
“Today, we are departing to South Korea to work there. We have been waiting for this opportunity since we signed our labor contract two years ago. Due to the Covid-19 situation, our departure was extended up until now. Just recently SEFOPE contacted us about this opportunity. It’s a five-year contract, so I will implement what I will gain from South Korea to develop our beloved country Timor-Leste,” Afonso said.
The majority of the 60 Timorese workers who departed to Seoul were men.
They departed for South Korea, today, on an Indonesian Passenger Airline, known as Citilink.
According to the official data of SEFOPE, from 2009 to 2020, SEFOPE had sent a total of 3.696 Timorese workers to work in South Korea, in the fisheries, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
