DILI, 31 may 2023 (TATOLI)– The Timor-Leste Ambassador to Australia, Inês Almeida, today welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to accept electronic passports which are issued by the Timor-Leste Government under special circumstances.
Ambassador, Inês Almeida said Australia would now accept expired and stamped passports with an extended expiration date in accordance with Timor-Leste Decree-Law No. 23/2023 dated April 19, 2023.
“The Australian Government’s recognition of electronic passports issued to Timorese workers traveling to Australia on work assignments under the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) scheme gives a green light for Employers Approved under the PALM Scheme to recruit our workers without delay,” said Ambassador Inês Almeida through its official website which is accessed by Tatoli.
She said Timor-Leste has a good performance of participation in labor mobility schemes in Australia, in the area of agriculture, fishing, horticulture, hospitality, and meat factory so they make a significant contribution to the economies of both countries.
“Therefore solving this issue of expired passports would also be welcomed by Approved Employers who wish to bring more Timorese workers to Australia as our workers have a positive reputation for being hardworking, willing to learn, friendly and respectful,” she said.
Ambassador Almeida on behalf of Timor – Leste thanked the Australian Government for the prompt resolution of the expired passport issue which reflects the positive neighborly relations between Australia and Timor-Leste.
Previously on May 15, the Governments of Indonesia and Malaysia accepted a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to extend the validity period of electronic passports for Citizens of Timor-Leste.
Information regarding access to the extension of the validity period stamp for the Timor-Leste Electronic Passport (PETL), to access the three countries will be issued by the Timor-Leste Ministry of Justice (MJ).
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Nelia B.
