Dili, February 21, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Professional Training and Employment (SEFOPE) together with the Ambassador and delegation of New Zealand held a meeting to re-inform the results of the meeting on 18 February 2025 regarding the cooperation that will be carried out by the two countries.
SEFOPE, Rogério Araújo Mendonça said that the meeting between Timor-Leste and New Zealand which started on 18-21 February 2025 showed positive results with the ratification of the signing of the MoU.
“From the meeting that started on the 18th to the 21st, it produced very positive results, first of all I said that the Ambassador will provide information first, on the grounds that the parties want to accept our young people to work in New Zealand.” Said SEFOPE, Rogério Mendonça
He said that New Zealand wanted to establish cooperation with Timor-Leste because of past history.
“First of all, they linked it to the history of 1999 where the New Zealand army also took part in the defense process of Timor-Leste, with that past history they wanted to continue working with the Timor-Leste Government, especially to strengthen our young generation who will go to work in New Zealand,” he said.
He emphasized that young people should not only work but also study, so that when they return they bring provisions to support their families, while also contributing to the economy of Timor-Leste.
Therefore, SEFOPE conveys to the public that from this resume, the New Zealand side has conveyed.
“welcome for Timor-Leste” means they are ready to welcome young Timorese to work in New Zealand this year.
He explained that through discussions between the Ambassador and the Assistance Team, SEFOPE will depart for New Zealand on April 28 and be able to sign this agreement.
“If there is an MoU this year, we can prepare our young people to work there, but with a small number first. From the Ambassador, with the first stage it means it must be with conditions or a small number, not as we expected 1,000-3,000,”he said.
He emphasized, just like with Australia before, we departed with 50 people but in stages, because they also cooperate with employees or entrepreneurs who are willing to accept young people, so when they have seen the initial stage with a small number, it means that there will be a large number like other countries in Asia Pacific that are currently involved in the RSM program.
On this occasion, the New Zealand Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Hellen Tunnah, said that as previously stated by SEFOPE, at this meeting New Zealand wanted to see the system and meet with several entrepreneurs.
“In accordance with the Secretary of State’s statement regarding the technical agreement between the two countries, we are very optimistic that we will move forward well and be able to start this program in the future. This year until the end of the year, we need to complete this technical agreement first, but we are very optimistic,” said the New Zealand Ambassador.
In addition, the second meeting was also attended by the Ambassador and his delegation as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Innovation and Public Works, Mr. Marthin and Mr. Nicky as the person in charge of the Seasonal Worker program design.
Reported by : Estefania
Picture by : Estefania