DILI, 24 july 2023 (TATOLI)—Timor-Leste Ambassador to British country, João Paulo da Costa Rangel called on Timor-Leste citizens to respect and fulfill the new migration criteria before entering the British country.
“I request the contributions from everyone to organize ourselves better, working together and respect the imposed regulation and offer strong collaboration and contribution to the British government, with this support we hope there will be other decisions and opportunities from the British Government,” explained João Paulo da Costa to Tatoli on Monday.
Ambassador Costa’s statement was made following the issue of a circular regarding the introduction of visa requirements for Timor-Leste’s citizens to visit British Country, by the British Embassy in Indonesia and Timor-Leste on Wednesday 19 July, 2023.
The changes, which take effect immediately, will apply to all Timorese nationals wishing to enter the UK. However, there will be a four-week transition period until Wednesday 16 August 15:00 BST (British Summer Time) during which visitors who book their travel before 15:00 BST on 19 July will still be able to enter the UK without a visa.
“On July 19 at 10:30, I received a call from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regarding changes to migration law and received a diplomatic note informing that the British Government has decided to cancel free-visa for all Timor-Leste citizens,” he explained.
He said Timor-Leste National who wish to travel to the British country must hold a visa, the same rules apply to other countries such as Dominica, Vanuatu, Namibia, and Honduras.
Another reason for this new migration order was due to the continued and significant increase in the number of Timorese nationals who do not intend to make short visits, but enter as non-native visitors, with the intention of working in the UK illegally, and often fraudulently claiming to be dependent EU (EU) citizens with UK resident status.
Related News:https://en.tatoli.tl/2023/07/20/british-govt-impose-visa-requirement-for-timorese-to-visit-british-country/19/
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia Borges
