DILI: 12 september 2022 ( TATOLI) – Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste (MNEC), Julião da Silva and his delegation have completed a two-week visit to the UK and Northern Ireland to meet with Timorese people living in both countries.
The purpose of the visit was to convey the message of the Prime Minister (PM) to the Timorese to contribute to national development.
Speaking upon arrival at the International Airport, da Silva said that during his visit he conveyed the Prime Minister’s appreciation to all the people of Timor Leste who participated in the presidential election which was held in March and April this year as well as asked them to continue promoting the culture and identity of Timor Leste.
“This visit is intended to seek the contribution of all Timorese abroad in promoting the country’s cultural identity as well as the publicity of local products. The Chief Executive demands all Timorese who will complete higher education [abroad] to think about returning to their homeland because the quality of human resources will contribute to the development of a country”, said Julião da Silva, at Dili airport.
In the same place, da Silva also revealed that there are currently more than 20,000 Timorese living abroad, saying this number has a pre-settled status.
da Silva also explained that these Timorese were facing problems with their documents including their passports and the Timor-Leste Identity Card [Election Card].
“There are those who hold expired passports and Identity cards, there are also those who do not have ID cards because they were born in the UK and want to have an ID card, therefore the Government of Timor Leste should facilitate their rights as citizens of Timor Leste,”
Responding to their complaints, da Silva promised to discuss with Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, on this issue to respond to the difficulties of the Timorese who are living in both countries and as well as other countries.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Nelia B.
