DILI, 15 july 2022 (TATOLI) – The Korean Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Kim Jeong-ho, and the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta called on Timorese people to save money while working in South Korea.
Ambassador Kim urged Timorese workers to avoid spending money on consuming drugs, smoking, drinking alcohol, and gambling: “If you manage well, you can save up to US$100.000 during your time working in South Korea. So that, you can use the money to run your own business after returning from South Korea.”
“Now, you have assumed a big responsibility to represent your country to work in South Korea. Therefore, you need to save money and send it back to your family members back home,” Ambassador Kim made comments at the signing labor contract between the 111 workers and SEFOPE at Timor Lodge Hall, in Dili, today.
The 111 workers will be departed for South Korea, next week, to work in the areas of factories and fisheries.
Kim also called on the workers to behave well and obey South Korean Law: “You are representing Timor-Leste; therefore, you need to behave well and respect the law of South Korea and learn how to live like South Korean people.”
Kim was certain that the workers will learn new skills which are important to run their own business one day after returning to Timor-Leste.
At the same place, the President of the Republic also reiterated Ambassador Kim’s messages, by calling on the workers to save enough money to improve the economic hardship of their families in Timor-Leste.
“You are Timor-Leste’s Goodwill Ambassadors in South Korea. Therefore, you need to show the good image of the country overseas.”
“For me, we need to strengthen our bilateral ties with South Korea. Because we want to see more volunteer workers from South Korea in Timor-Leste. Not only that, but we also want to see Korean products in the country and vice versa. So, apart from coffee, we also want to export other products to South Korea,” said Horta.
Since 2009, more than 4.000 Timorese workers have been sent to South Korea in the areas of factories and fisheries.
Since october last year, SEFOPE has sent more than 700 workers to South Korea, the largest number since the establishment of the program in 2009.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
