Olá!
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is situated on the island of Timor, approximately 700 km northwest of Darwin.
Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbours, with a shared history and strong people-to-people links.
The capital of Timor-Leste, Dili, is around one hour’s flying time from Darwin.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste country fact sheet
Why recruit workers from Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste has a strong track record of participation in labour mobility schemes in Australia, with workers placed in the agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, hospitality and meat processing industries, as well as a range of other sectors.
Timorese workers have a positive reputation for being hard working, willing to learn, friendly and respectful.
How to recruit workers from Timor-Leste
To recruit workers from Timor-Leste under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian employer must be approved as a PALM scheme employer.
Alternatively, an employer may wish to engage workers through a PALM scheme approved labour hire company.
Find out more about becoming a PALM scheme employer.
PALM scheme employers can recruit workers from Timor-Leste through the work-ready pool of the National Directorate of Foreign Employment, which is part of the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training & Employment (known as SEFOPE).
For more information on recruiting workers from Timor-Leste for seasonal or short-term roles, please contact (swp.lsu.tl@gmail.com). For information on recruiting workers from Timor-Leste for longer-term roles, please contact (pls.lsu.tl@gmail.com).
How to join the PALM scheme as a worker
Citizens of participating countries must apply to join the PALM scheme through the labour sending unit in their country.
Citizens of Timor-Leste who wish to apply for short-term seasonal labour (up to 9 months) in Australia can email (swp.lsu.tl@gmail.com), or for longer term labour (between one and 4 years) please contact (pls.lsu.tl@gmail.com). Otherwise, you can visit the SEFOPE website or the SEFOPE Facebook page for more information.
You do not need to pay or give gifts to anyone to join the PALM scheme. If you have been offered a job in the PALM scheme, your employer will pay for your flights and some other costs up front so you can travel to Australia. You will need to gradually repay your employer for these costs once you start earning a wage.