DILI, 27 october 2022 (TATOLI) – The Governments of Timor-Leste (TL) and Portugal will discuss three proposed solutions to solve the problem of Timorese living in a precarious situation in Portugal.
“Our government is still putting efforts to collaborate with the Portuguese government to find solutions for the precarious situation facing Timorese people in Portugal. The three proposals include the Schengen regime, cooperation with Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF), and repatriation of the workers,” Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak told reporters after meeting the President of the Republic, at the Governmental Palace.
According to the Head of Government, the Schengen regime aims to prevent the Timorese from benefiting from it.
Ruak pointed out that, regarding the second proposed solution, the two governments will reinforce the work of technical cooperation with SEF.
“Portuguese government will send three officials of SEF to work with our immigration on the verification of the documents of the Timorese who go to Portugal,” he explained.
Ruak said Timorese must present complete documents according to the rules and have enough money to survive a 90-day stay in Portugal.
“The last proposal is about the repatriation of the Timorese in Portugal. Our government is still working hard to repatriate those Timorese who want to return home,” he assured.
Currently, around 5000 Timorese are living in a precarious situation in Portugal.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
