DILI, 13 december 2022 (TATOLI)— Timor-Leste prepared a strategic plan for 2022 to 2027 to increase the mobility of workers overseas while reducing the unemployment rate in the country.
Speaking to the media, the Director General of the State Secretariat for Professional and Vocational Training (SEFOPE)), Paulo Alves said the success that has been achieved in the process of labor mobility with Australia and South Korea has been one of the reasons the Government increase the mobility.
“Today we invite partners and various country representatives to listen to what requirements they need to be able to work in their countries, and everything is summarized in the 2022-2027 strategic plan that will be launched,” explained Paulo Alves in the Suai Room, Timor Plaza, Tuesday. this.
The labor mobility program addresses gaps in overseas labor markets, reducing domestic unemployment and enhancing economic development in Timor-Leste
This plan also goes forward to promote a quality workforce, provide a transparent selection and recruitment process and protect workers and employers abroad.
“We will prepare workers based on foreign requests. Mobilize up to 15,000 workers in 2027 (40% women and 80% from cities),” he explained.
The government also plans to expand this mobility agreement to more countries and regions such as Japan, Canada, and Ireland. Meanwhile, other countries, such as Malaysia and Kuwait, wish to receive household assistants but the government decided not to accept the request because aware of the risks that workers might get.
The National Director of SEFOPE Foreign Workers, Filomeno Soares, admitted that proper conditions are needed to achieve this strategic plan, for autonomous institutions, regular budget support, and good equipment and facilities.
“We want the best, but we have to provide effective working services and provide adequate facilities. I hope that DNEE (National Directorate of Foreign Workers) later becomes an autonomous institution because it generates income for the state,” he said.
Representative of the Australian Embassy in Timor-Leste, Rachel Jolly expressed her presence to realize the great potential of Timor-Leste’s Labor Mobility, adding that it is about everyone who goes overseas to learn a new skill, and save money for their family and send that money over.
“Australia knows this all too well. We benefit a lot from immigration, not only in terms of our economy but socio-culturally, in an interconnected world, with an interconnected labor market. Labor or migration will become a reality for all of us as people seek new opportunities in different countries and the world becomes more connected,” he said.
He said Australia stood firm in its commitment to working with Timor-Leste and Labor Mobility to increase the number of opportunities for Timorese workers in Australia.
Reporter : Cidalia Fátima
Editor : Armandina Moniz
Translation: Camilo de Sousa
