DILI, 15 january 2025 (TATOLI) — Timorese migrant workers abroad sent more than US$15 million in remittances to Timor-Leste in 2025, providing vital support to families and the national economy.
“Official figures show that recorded remittances in 2025 reached US$15,275,013,” said National Director of Foreign Employment, João Correia Pereira.
The remittances came from 8,840 Timorese workers in Australia and 791 workers in South Korea.
Director Pereira said remittances from Timorese workers abroad play a vital role in supporting the country’s economy.
He said workers in other countries, including Japan, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, also regularly send money home to support their families.
According to the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL), remittances reached US$244.8 million in 2024.
The BCTL report shows that of the US$244.8 million in remittances, US$100 million came from Timorese workers in the United Kingdom, US$61 million from Australia, US$44.8 million from South Korea, and US$39 million from other countries, including Ireland and Japan, making remittances the largest source of Timor-Leste’s non-oil revenue in 2024.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Filomeno Martins
