Dili, October 1, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), through the National Directorate of Foreign Employment, held a declaration signing ceremony between the Government, families, and Timorese workers, to officially deploy them to work in Australia. The declaration signing event was conducted at Palm Springs, according to SEFOPE’s media page today (01/10/2025).
The Director of the National Directorate of Foreign Employment, João Correia Pereira, stated that this ceremony was a joint signing with families and the Government of Timor-Leste before workers depart to Australia.
“At this farewell declaration ceremony, we discuss important matters for workers such as spouses, regulations, and the issue of absconding. From these important issues, I encourage couples to maintain trust and good communication with each other. I also ask parents to understand the situation of their children abroad and to collaborate with the Government so that their children do not exit the system,” said the Director of the National Directorate of Foreign Employment, João Correia Pereira.
The Director further urged workers to maintain discipline and a good attitude, as they carry the RDTL flag and represent the nation of Timor-Leste, showing good behavior and avoiding the temptation to abandon the system.
“You must understand, the State does not demand much, what the State asks is how you can safeguard yourselves and not become independent of the system. In the future, if you fall sick or face health problems, what can you do? Sometimes people say SEFOPE just sends people to work, but SEFOPE never sends anyone to do anything other than work. From the Government’s side, we trust that when you go to Australia, you will do something for yourselves and live together with your families,” explained João Correia Pereira.
He also affirmed that SEFOPE has already opened a program called the Department of Reintegration. Some of you may already have participated in Reintegration Seminars that have been carried out across all municipalities, with the objective of sharing information and conducting surveys with returning workers who have successfully completed their work in Australia.
He informed families, parents, spouses, and relatives that workers go to work out of a desire to improve living standards at home and for their families, but firstly for their own personal lives. “If workers are not happy, it means the families are not happy either. I also urge workers not to practice martial arts in another country, especially in public spaces,” he added.
Furthermore, the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE) will be sending 114 workers, consisting of 81 men and 33 women. These workers will be employed by six employers: Madec Costa Farm, Connect Group Rosse Farm, Connect Group Bogdani Ch, Eksternal Colour, Connect Group Ceforo, and Connect Group Santana Maria.
Report by: Nelfiano
Photo: SEFOPE Media