Olá!
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is one of 10 partner countries participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
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.
Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for more information about Timor-Leste.
Read the Timor-Leste country fact sheet.
How to recruit 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.
Recruiting as a PALM scheme employer
PALM scheme employers can partner with Timor-Leste to recruit workers through the work-ready pool of the National Directorate of Overseas Employment, which is part of the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (known as SEFOPE).
In Timor-Leste, selected candidates in the work-ready pool receive training and skills development prior to any offers of employment. This ensures candidates are well prepared for a work placement in Australia.
Candidates may undertake training in:
- aged care preparation
- hospitality
- meat processing
- chainsaw and forklift operation
- digital literacy
- English language skills
- driving.
PALM scheme employers can also request bespoke training upon submission of a recruitment plan.
For information on recruiting workers from Timor-Leste for seasonal or short-term roles, contact National Directorate of Overseas Employment's (DNEE) Labour Sending Unit (LSU) via email at (swp.lsu.tl@gmail.com). To recruit for longer-term roles, email (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. In Timor-Leste, application is through the National Directorate of Overseas Employment (DNEE) Labour Sending Unit (LSU).
Interested candidates should be aware that:
- you do not need to pay or give gifts to anyone to join the PALM scheme
- selection for the DNEE LSU work-ready pool is through a transparent, merit-based process, with final recruitment decisions made by Australian employers
- selection to the work-ready pool does not guarantee a work placement
- if you have been offered a job, your employer will pay for your flights and some other costs upfront so you can travel to Australia. However, you will need to gradually repay your employer for these costs once you start earning a wage.
If you are a citizen of Timor-Leste and wish to apply for short-term seasonal labour opportunities (up to 9 months) in Australia, email DNEE’s LSU at (swp.lsu.tl@gmail.com) when applications open, or for longer-term labour opportunities (between one and 4 years), email (pls.lsu.tl@gmail.com).
Visit the SEFOPE website or the SEFOPE Facebook page for more information about how to apply to join the PALM scheme.
View video stories about Timor-Leste and the PALM scheme
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