Dili, November 19, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Government, through the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), announced that 11 workers will soon be sent to work in New Zealand as the first pilot group.
The Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, Rogério Araújo Mendonça, stated that SEFOPE has been conducting a transparent screening process to ensure that the selection meets quality standards required by the labor market.
“When we carry out this recruitment, we avoid favoritism based on family ties, party interests, or friendships. I believe that future employers will not choose our workers if such practices exist,” said Secretary of State Rogério Araújo Mendonça.
He added that although the number of workers going to New Zealand is still small, continuous efforts will eventually allow more workers to be deployed in the future, similar to the case of Australia. Previously, only a small number of workers were sent to Australia, but now the number has reached more than 21,000.
“Previously, we sent only a few workers to Australia, but today the number of Timorese workers in Australia has already reached 21,000. Currently, New Zealand’s immigration team is processing documents for the workers who will depart,” said the Secretary of State.
He confirmed that employers in New Zealand have already conducted interview tests for the 11 selected workers who will form the first pilot group. They are expected to depart in the near future. Ensuring this pilot group’s quality and capacity is essential so that employers continue to trust and recruit more Timorese workers in the coming years.
He further explained that in the near future, SEFOPE will deploy the first group of 11 Timorese workers to New Zealand. Therefore, he urged all workers who wish to work in New Zealand to prepare themselves, as more workers will be sent in larger numbers next year.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano