DILI, 04 february 2026 (TATOLI) – The Council of Ministers has approved a draft National Parliament resolution proposal seeking Timor-Leste’s accession to the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption, marking another step towards deeper regional integration.
The proposal was presented at a meeting held today at the Government Palace in Díli by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.
According to the Government, the proposal aims to approve Timor-Leste’s accession to the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption.
The ASEAN Visa Exemption Framework Agreement, signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 25, 2006, establishes a framework to facilitate travel within the region by exempting citizens of Member States from visa requirements for stays of up to 14 days.
This measure aims to promote regional mobility, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and the strengthening of relations among the region’s peoples.
The Agreement also provides that each Member State may grant visa exemptions for periods longer than 14 days, in accordance with its national legislation and/or bilateral agreements, thereby ensuring flexibility in defining its migration policies.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
