DILI, 19 october 2022 (TATOLI) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Timor-Leste met with the President of the National Parliament (PPN), Aniceto Guterres, to discuss the legal framework to promote safe and regular migration of Timorese workers, as well as Timorese nationals who go abroad for work, for study and for many other reasons.
“Guterres and I discussed the legislative and regulatory aspects governing aspects of migration, particularly on issues such as labor mobility, as well as human trafficking and smuggling of persons,” the Chief of Mission of IOM in Timor-Leste, Ihma Shareef told reporters after meeting PPN Guterres, at Parliament House, today.
She said that IOM’s ultimate aim is to support more than 151.000 Timorese who migrate every year: “Therefore, the PPN and I, discussed the legislative measures to govern the mobility from Timor-Leste to other countries,”
During the meeting, Guterres and Shareef also discussed the situation of the Timorese who are currently jobless and homeless in Portugal: “This is an issue that was discussed and, of course, the PPN, as well as the whole government and IOM, we are here to support the Timorese immigrants and ensure the protection of all Timorese, regardless of where they migrate and where they work.”
“We discussed both short and long-term legislative measures for Timor-Leste so that Timorese can migrate safely, as well as to ensure the protection of Timorese abroad,” she reiterated.
She added that PPN Guterres has asked IOM for parliamentary recommendations which PPN will discuss with members of parliament: “IOM will provide examples of best practices as well as different legislative frameworks that the Timorese parliament can consider.”
When asked about IOM’s intervention to support those jobless and homeless Timorese in Portugal, she said that: “Unfortunately, IOM cannot comment on the situation around human trafficking because it is a confidential issue involving the victims.”
IOM has been working very closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Interior Ministry, and the Ministry of Justice to support Timorese migrants abroad.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
