DILI, 11 february 2026 (TATOLI) – The Government has approved a draft Decree-Law establishing a Special Career Regime for Professional Firefighters in Timor-Leste.
The draft Decree-Law was presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Agio Pereira.
With the new decree-law, the Government aims to establish a specific status for professional firefighters in Timor-Leste, recognising the specialised nature of their duties as specialised civil protection agents and the importance of their role in protecting human life and property and responding to emergencies, accidents, and disasters throughout the country.
The proposed regime defines the professional firefighter career as a special civil service, setting out its hierarchical structure, categories and positions, as well as rules for recruitment, training, progression and promotion.
Through this initiative, the Government seeks to enhance and dignify the career, ensure greater stability within the profession, and create a clearer professional framework. It also aims to strengthen the response capacity of the national civil protection system.
The approval marks a significant step toward formalising and professionalising the country’s firefighting service, reinforcing its institutional role in disaster response and emergency management nationwide.
TATOLI
