Timor-Leste and Portugal will formalize a bilateral agreement to facilitate Timorese working in Europe

 DILI, 30 may 2022 (TATOLI)- The Minster of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC), Adaljiza Magno, informed that she will represent Timor-Leste to sign the bilateral agreement with the Government of Portugal to facilitate Timorese people to work in Europe.

“The government of Timor-Leste through its Embassy in Portugal is currently trying to convince the Portuguese government to realize the agreement. Until now many East Timorese who hold Timor Leste passports are in Portugal and many are planning to leave with Timor Leste passports do not know yet where will they work, because the situation is complicated, In response to this situation, thus the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Portugal will seek to arrange a bilateral agreement to facilitate Timorese to work in Portugal using Timor-Leste passports” Minister Magno, said after meeting with Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, ‘s at the PM Residence, in Farol on monday.

Minister Magno said she had recently submitted a mobility agreement to the National Parliament (MP).

“I presented the Community of Portuguese speaking countries (CPLP) mobility agreement to the National Parliament. This agreement authorizes us to conclude agreements with CPLP members, including Portugal, to allow Timorese to work in Portugal,” She added.

According to Magno, this agreement requires a security deposit, therefore the TL’s Foreign Minister will realize this when visiting Europe.

“This agreement requires a deposit. I will go to the CPLP office to deposit this agreement. When this agreement is officially issued, we will start talking to the Portuguese government, to formalize this agreement to pave the way for Timorese to work in Portugal,”

When formalized, the Government will inform CPLP members, that Timor-Leste, is ready to negotiate for bilateral mobility.

“This mobility includes all workers, both skilled and unskilled because Portugal is a great friend of Timor-Leste, therefore they also want to have a non-skills agreement. The benefit of this agreement is that Timorese students can continue their studies in all CPLP country members and also allows Timorese Medical Doctors to apply for jobs in CPLP countries” Minister Magno explained.

Journalist: Antonia Gusmao

Editor : Julia Chatarina

Translation : Camilio de Sousa