DILI, 19 october 2022 (TATOLI) – The Military Office of the President of the Republic held an urgent meeting with national security entities to carry out emergency measures to check the travel documents of the Timorese nationals who intend to travel overseas looking for work in the countries such as Portugal, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Acting Military Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic, Major Francisco Silva, said that the purpose of the meeting is to plan emergency responses to deal with Timorese who intends to go abroad without legal documents.
The plan was to strictly check the travel documents of more than 200 Timorese nationals who will be traveling abroad, next week.
“The Office Military of the President of the Republic held a meeting with the State security authorities to adopt strict measures to verify the travel documents of Timorese will travel next week,” said Major Francisco Silva, at the Presidential Palace.
According to Silva, if citizens recruited by illegal agencies are identified, then they will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He stressed that citizens who wish to travel abroad must present a passport valid for more than six months and have a return ticket, saying if they do not meet these requirements, they should not travel.
“We warn Timorese nationals who want to travel to Portugal on the october 27, if they do not have their full documents, it is better to avoid the trip so as not to be left stranded,” he appealed.
Major Francisco Silva also pointed out that the Timor-Leste security authorities have already informed the Portuguese immigration authorities to be alert to the arrival of Timorese in Portugal.
“Portuguese immigration will investigate the Timorese arriving next week to find out who is sponsoring their travel and stay in Portugal. If there is any doubt they will be deported,” she emphasized.
When asked about the identification of the suspects who exploit the Timorese in human trafficking networks, Silva replied: “The security entities already know. I will not reveal it to the media as it is the secret of justice. Soon, the criminals will be called and held responsible.”
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Timor-Leste National Police, the Criminal Investigation Police, the National Intelligence Service, the National Defense Forces, the Commission for the Fight against Trafficking of Persons, and the Business Registration and Verification Service.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
