Dili, January 16, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Prior to their departure to work in South Korea, the Government, through the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), signed a declaration with 85 Timorese workers.
The Acting Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), Domingos Lopes Lemos, stated that in the first phase of 2026, the Government, through SEFOPE, is sending a total of 85 Timorese workers to work in South Korea.
“Today, we are officially sending off 85 Timorese workers before their departure to South Korea, as they are going abroad to carry out an important mission. They have been assigned to work in the fishing, factory, and agricultural sectors,” said Acting Secretary of State Domingos Lopes Lemos.
He explained that one of the Government’s key programs and commitments is to create employment opportunities for citizens. Therefore, the Government of Timor-Leste continues to strengthen cooperation with the Government of South Korea. Through this partnership, Timorese citizens are given opportunities to work in South Korea, enabling them to improve their families’ economic conditions.
The Secretary of State emphasized several important points that workers must observe, including respecting rules and regulations while carrying out their duties abroad, demonstrating good performance, and successfully completing their employment contracts in South Korea.
Meanwhile, the National Director for Overseas Employment (DNEE), João Correia Pereira, stated that whenever Timorese workers are sent to work in countries such as Australia, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand, the Government always requires the signing of a declaration between the Government and the workers.
“I would like to report that the 85 Timorese workers departing to South Korea are all men, with no female workers included. These workers will be employed in different sectors: 78 workers in the fishing sector, four workers in factories, and three workers in agriculture,” said the National Director for Overseas Employment.
SEFOPE, through the National Directorate for Overseas Employment (DNEE), has so far deployed a total of 7,744 Timorese workers to work abroad. Of these, 1,046 workers have already completed their contracts and returned to Timor-Leste.
Report: Nelia
Photo: SEFOPE Media Officer