Dili, August 29, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Professional Training and Employment (SEFOPE), through the National Directorate of Employment Abroad (DNEE), will send 33 Timorese workers to South Korea.
Acting Director General of SEFOPE, Clementina Araújo de Almeida, stated that today the agreement with the workers and their families was signed, and on September 1 the agency will hold a farewell ceremony to mark the signing of the agreement between the Government and the contracted workers.
“On this occasion, I would like to ask all the workers to demonstrate good behavior and attitude so that the Korean Government will continue to provide opportunities for your colleagues in the future. If you show inappropriate behavior, then the Korean Government will not invite us again to work there,” said Acting Director General of SEFOPE, Clementina Araújo de Almeida.
She further explained that when working abroad, workers must not be careless as if they were still in Timor-Leste. In Korea, people are required to demonstrate good conduct and discipline by following working hours diligently.
“Our workers who will leave for Korea on September 1 totaling 33 people, and they will be employed in three sectors: fisheries, factories, and industry,” the Acting Director General of SEFOPE added.
She also explained that among these workers, 27 are new recruits while 6 are returning workers who received new contracts from their companies.
Speaking on behalf of the workers, Adriano Xavier expressed his pride in having the opportunity to work in South Korea, saying that in the future this chance would help improve their lives and support their siblings’ education.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of Timor-Leste for their efforts in collaborating with the Government of Korea to provide employment opportunities. While I am working in Korea, I want to improve my family’s economic situation and also support my brothers and sisters who want to study,” said workers’ representative, Adriano Xavier.
He also expressed his hope that both the Timorese and Korean governments will continue strengthening cooperation to send more young people to work abroad, thereby helping to improve their families’ lives, send money back to Timor-Leste, and contribute to the country’s development.
This activity, carried out by the Secretary of State for Professional Training through the National Directorate of Employment Abroad, involves signing agreements with the workers and their families. On September 1, they will depart to work in South Korea in the three sectors of fisheries, factories, and industry.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano