Timor-Leste and Portugal signed agreements for the application of the Social Security Convention and on Labour Mobility
On October 2nd, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, and Portugal’s Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, Ana Mendes Godinho, signed an administrative agreement to implement the Social Security Convention between the two countries.
A Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Mobility was also signed between the Ministers of the two countries and the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE) to facilitate the legal migration of Timorese workers to Portugal, ensuring their labour rights and social protection.
The Social Security Convention between Timor-Leste and Portugal, signed in June 2022, has been approved by both countries and will soon come into force. The Convention aims to ensure that workers' careers cover both contribution periods, regardless of whether they have worked in either country. It is also intended to provide equal treatment between citizens of the two countries, including residents of the partner country, by granting them the same rights and obligations. The high flow of workers between Timor-Leste and Portugal makes it crucial to regulate the relationship between the social security systems. The Administrative Agreement signed aims to regulate specific aspects, facilitating the practical application of the Convention from the beginning of its validity, representing a moment of great fulfilment for both nations.
In her speech, Minister Verónica das Dores highlighted the importance of signing these two agreements, which "represent an important step towards the fulfilment of what is undoubtedly a fundamental human right: the Right to Dignified Work, with social security!" and "which aim to ensure the fulfilment of the right to dignified work with social security for Timorese and Portuguese workers and citizens, guaranteeing that mobility and movement between our two countries takes place safely and with respect for labour rights and social protection."
She also stressed that "the high mobility of workers between Timor-Leste and Portugal also requires a response in terms of the regulation of labour relations, to guarantee the functioning of legal migration channels, particularly for employed workers, and the enforcement of the protection and rights of these workers".
The Minister explained that the Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Mobility aims to "identify job opportunities in Portugal and promote vocational training and the effective integration of Timorese workers legally and with all rights safeguarded" and that "to this end, channels of articulation between the public employment services of the two countries will be defined".
Portugal's Secretary of State for Inclusion, Ana Sofia Antunes; Portugal's Secretary of State for Social Security, Gabriel Bastos; Ambassador Isílio Coelho, representing the Executive Secretary of the CPLP; Timor-Leste's Ambassador to the CPLP, Marina Ribeiro Alkatiri; among other representatives and guests were also present at the signing ceremony.
