Dili, September 9, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), through the National Directorate of Foreign Employment, announced the opening of online registration for job vacancies in New Zealand under the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) program. Registration is open from 8 to 12 of September 2025.
According to a statement from João Coreia Pereira, National Director for Foreign Employment, the program was established to meet seasonal labor demands in New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries, while also providing temporary job opportunities for workers from Pacific partner countries and Timor-Leste.
“We strongly encourage applicants to carefully read all the information and requirements before starting their application, as this will help to ensure them to understand the eligibility criteria.” said Pereira
He informed that the application period for the RSE program is from 8 to 12 of September 2025, and urged applicants to ensure that all required documents are submitted within this timeline.
“Key eligibility conditions include: 1) Nationality, must be a Timorese citizen. 2) Age, applicants must be 21 years or older. And, 3) English proficiency, applicants must hold a degree/diploma in English or an English language certificate.” He added
Employment under the RSE program lasts 6-7 months, after which workers must return to Timor-Leste for about four months before being eligible for another contract.
Work is limited to two sectors, such as horticulture and viticulture only, as permitted under the RSE visa. Workers are required to work at least 30 hours per week, or an average of 30 hours per week over four weeks (120 hours per months). Applicants must be prepared for varying weather conditions, from around 7oC in winter (July) to 34oC in summer. The current minimum wage for RSE workers is NZD $23.15 per hour.
Pereira explained that the jobs involve physical demands, such as lifting and carrying fruit and equipment, as well as repetitive tasks like bending, picking, pruning, and climbing. Good physical health is therefore required.
“The required documents (all in color PDF format) include, valid passport (at least six months validity), valid criminal record certificate (in English), English language certificate/Diploma, SEFOPE evidence card, Voter card (KE), Identity card, COVID-19 vaccination certificate, Timor-Leste birth certificate, Full-body profile photo, and optional driver’s license (B1/B2-C1/C2) as additional identification.” Pereira informed
Application for the RSE scheme must be submitted online only through the link provide on SEFOPE’s official Facebook page during the registration period. Applicants who are already registered in the PALM system cannot re-register for RSE online, as their profiles are already stored in the PALM/IRD system and duplicate applications will be rejected.
“We encourage and invite all interested individuals to register for the RSE program and also send an expression of interest via SEFOPE’s active email. Please be patient when accessing the online system, as the link may load slowly due to the limited number of slots available. Applicants must declare that they have read, understood, and agreed to all the terms and requirements listed above. Failure to meet the criteria or submit the required documents will results in immediate rejection of the application.” stressed Pereira
SEFOPE, through the National Directorate of Foreign Employment will not accept manual registration. All application must be submitted online or by email using the link provided.
Reporter: Domingas
Photo: Domingas