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July 31st, 2025
Press Release
Imposition of Limits on Recruitment and Procurement in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, through Order No. 014/PM/VII/2025, published on Thursday, July 31st, 2025, established a set of administrative and financial restrictions applicable to the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA), effective as of the day following its publication.
The decision is part of the transition process from the current RAEOA structure to a new functional model, closer to the municipal system adopted in the rest of the country’s administrative districts, as established in Government Resolution No. 29/2025 of June 18. This transformation aims to promote greater participation by the local population in the administrative and economic management of the Region and, at the same time, determines the end of the mandate of all current RAEOA bodies.
Under the terms of the order, the RAEOA and Executive Committee bodies of the future Special Economic Zone are prohibited from hiring new technicians or advisors, requesting the transfer of civil servants, or authorizing the opening of procurement procedures that are not strictly limited to the needs of day-to-day management. All expenses related to the supply of goods, provision of services, or execution of public works must be preceded by a binding opinion from the Prime Minister, including procedures already awarded or in progress that do not comply with the provisions now in force.
The order also establishes the requirement for a prior favorable opinion from the Head of Government for any award, even if previously decided, if it does not comply with the defined criteria. With regard to travel abroad by members of RAEOA bodies, this is now limited to a maximum of four members per delegation, except in duly justified situations and with prior authorization from the Prime Minister.
With these measures, the Government seeks to ensure the proper management of public resources during the institutional transition phase of the RAEOA, ensuring that all decisions are guided by criteria of responsibility, necessity, and public interest. END