DILI, 25 november 2022 (TATOLI)— The President of the Confederation of Timor-Leste Labor Syndicates (CSTL), Almério Villa Nova is concerned that Timor-Leste has suffered a loss for many potential and quality human resources working abroad and refuses to return to their homeland due to a lack of employment Opportunity.
“We see that currently many people are traveling abroad and refuse to return to Timor-Leste and some may only return for holidays because there are no jobs here, therefore the Government should pay attention to this situation,” Almerio Villa Nova told Tatoli in Bemori.
He acknowledged that the Government’s policy of sending workers abroad to work in Australia and South Korea has two main benefits, including getting a decent wage and learning many things that they are unable to receive back at home.
However, Villa Nova said, other alternatives are necessary for workers to establish their businesses or provide them with jobs upon return from other countries.
“They used to receive a great salary while abroad and return to their homeland with a small wage, of course, they will find a way to go back and work in Europe,” he said.
So far, data from the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), shows that Timor-Leste has sent over 4,000 workers working in Australia and South Korea from 2016 to 2022.
“The recorded data was calculated by SEFOPE but those who went to England, Ireland, Portugal, and other European countries were not included in the list,” he explained.
To find a solution to this issue, Villa Nova recommends three main points, increasing the minimum labor wage and developing potential sectors to increase employment opportunities in the agriculture, fisheries, and tourism sectors.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
