The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Secretariat of State for Professional Training and Employment (SoSPTE), signed on December 1, a Note of Understanding with the Government of Australia on the establishment of a Pilot Plan for Seasonal Work (Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme – PSWPS).

This is the way to formalize the agreement established earlier, so that Timor-Leste can prepare their workers, aged between 21 and 45 years, and who will be selected by SoSPTE in accordance with the procedures agreed with the Australian Government.

According to the plan, the Timorese will work in Australian businesses in Broome, in the sectors of tourism and lodging, for a period of 6 months.

The Secretary of State for Professional Training and Employment, Bendito Freitas, stated that “candidate workers who will work in Australia, and whom are scheduled to departure in March of next year, should continue to be guided by good behavior in order to provide a good image of Timor-Leste and provide others with the same opportunity”.

The Australian Ambassador in Timor-Leste was happy with the signing of the Note of Understanding, a moment which was has been expected by everyone, stressing that “the SoSPTE and the Australian Government made a big effort in the preparation of the draft before it was signed by the two Governments”.

The agreement, which will be in effect until July 2012, is valid for six months. The candidates, before starting to work, will have some training in hospitality and tourism within Timor-Leste, and then leave to Australia where they will work based on the “on arrival training” system.