Dili, August 22, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE) held a farewell ceremony for interns departing for professional training in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. On the same occasion, SEFOPE also announced the ongoing recruitment process for Timorese workers bound for Korea and addressed public concerns regarding workers with low test scores who were nonetheless given opportunities to work in Australia.
Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, Rogério de Araújo Mendonça, explained that the recruitment of Timorese workers for Korea is not solely determined by SEFOPE but is decided by Korea’s Human Resources Development (HRD) authority.
“I believe that with efforts from the Embassy, the labor attaché, and SEFOPE itself, we continue to advocate strongly for our candidates. The process requires ongoing communication with HRD Korea and with employers there, so that more Timorese can gain opportunities,” Mendonça told journalists at SEFOPE’s VIP lounge.
He acknowledged that SEFOPE itself has pushed for more quotas, but HRD Korea has only provided a limited number of slots. Therefore, workers should not assume they have no chance, opportunities will continue to come gradually.
“Because quota allocations depend on the needs of each country, sometimes in very large numbers, it means that those who did not make it now may still get another chance in the future,” Mendonça stressed.
The Secretary of State also addressed public concerns over workers with low test scores who nevertheless managed to secure jobs in Australia. He urged the public to understand the facts before drawing conclusions.
“I heard claims that some workers, such as one from Viqueque, went abroad despite lower scores. That’s why I encourage people to verify the facts. Sometimes lower scores may be the basis of complaints, but in reality, the system still allows opportunities under certain conditions,” Mendonça explained.
He further clarified that some candidates who felt dissatisfied with their exam results filed complaints, but this does not automatically disqualify them from opportunities abroad.
According to data SEFOPE received from its directorates, around 100 candidates submitted complaints, and at least one worker already employed in Australia was also included in the complaints list.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano