DILI, Timor-Leste, May 4, 2026 — The government of Timor-Leste sent more than 1,400 workers overseas in the first quarter of 2026, according to João Correia, the National Director of Overseas Employment at the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE).
The workers were deployed to Australia, South Korea, New Zealand and Japan under overseas labour programmes.
Australia remained the main destination, receiving 1,071 workers, including 809 men and 262 women.
During the same period, 309 workers were sent to South Korea, the majority of whom were male workers.
In addition, 10 workers were deployed each to Japan and New Zealand.
Timor-Leste continues to be one of the main labour-sending countries under Australia’s seasonal worker programmes and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Remittances from overseas workers are a key source of income for many households and contribute to the national economy.
According to BCTL’s Annual Economic Performance Report 2025, Timorese workers abroad generated $181.9 million in receivable remittances.
Despite maintaining a positive net flow, the overall balance of worker remittances fell by 14.0% compared to the $211.6 million recorded in 2024.
Journalist: Alexandra da Costa
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
