Based on the agreement signed between the Timor-Leste Government and the South Korean Government, the Secretary of State for Professional Training and Employment (SEFOPE), will send a total of 173 Timorese to work in South Korea. Presently, there are around 105 Timorese in South Korea and, according with the companies needs, will work in areas such as fishing, agriculture and restaurants. “This is a good path and is important for the Timorese” underlined the Secretary of State for Professional Training and Employment, Bendito Freitas, last 29th April.

Bendito Freitas also explained that the training given to the workers is not specific, it is only a language course and basic orientations on how to work in South Korea so that the workers are prepared when they are integrated in the work place and have knowledge about the culture of the country. It is expected that the group that is following the course, may do a Korean language exam on the 13th of June and complete the requirements to work in South Korea.

Timor-Leste has an Embassy in South Korea and the presence of a work attaché can help in the assistance to the workers, in case of need.

It is hoped that when the workers return, not only will they bring money but also knowledge and acquired experiences, these being a fundamental factor for national development.

Bendito Freitas also referred that there are companies that are prepared to receive Timorese workers but that depends on the Curriculum Vitae and each one’s area of interest. Each company can receive between twenty and fifty workers.