DILI, 22 September 2025 (TATOLI) – The Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE) has received more than 21,000 applications for seasonal work opportunities in New Zealand under the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) program.
The online application process opened on September 8 and attracted thousands of Timorese seeking temporary employment abroad.
SEFOPE’s Head of the Department of Reintegration Abroad, Alarico Fernandes, said the data is still being verified.
He said that SEFOPE has not yet confirmed the gender breakdown of applicants or those who registered by email, despite their names already being in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) system.
Fernandes added that no date has been set for the publication of the list of approved candidates, which will only be announced after the document screening process.
The RSE program offers contracts of six to seven months. At the end of each contract, workers must return to Timor-Leste for about four months before becoming eligible again.
Employees are entitled to a minimum wage of NZD23.15 per hour, equivalent to USD 13.68.
According to SEFOPE’s National Director of Overseas Employment, João Correia Pereira, workers will be assigned tasks such as harvesting, transporting produce, and other physical labor in vineyards and horticultural farms.
He noted that applicants should be prepared for extreme temperature shifts, ranging from 7°C in winter to 34°C in summer.
Eligibility requirements include a minimum age of 21, English language certification, a valid passport, a clean criminal record, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
