“The Mahien Foundation (FM) supports Timorese who want to work abroad, provided they respect migration and labour laws, adapt to the local culture and avoid antisocial behaviour,” says a press release from the FM, published today.
In an analysis published on its official website, FM warns that the growth of anti-immigration movements and political parties in Europe and North America also “shapes public reactions to episodes of violence involving migrants”.
“Unfortunately, practices such as cockfighting or conflicts between martial arts groups feed these prejudices and reinforce stereotypes that portray non-Western migrants as less committed to modern ethics, the rule of law and respect for animal rights,” the non-governmental organisation points out.
FM warns that many Timorese migrants travel abroad without any knowledge of the laws, geography, economy, culture and customs of the countries they want to work in and “with the intention of working illegally”.
“These practices have consequences, as demonstrated by the UK’s decision in 2023 to end the visa-free policy for Timorese citizens, citing abuses of migration rules and illegal labour,” says FM.
The non-governmental organisation recommends that Timor-Leste embassies in countries with larger Timorese emigrant communities implement or strengthen comprehensive cultural integration programmes for Timorese workers.
“These programmes can be organised, for example, through WhatsApp groups, to provide clear information about local laws, cultures and expectations. This will significantly help minimise the risks for our compatriots working far away, and also reinforce Timor-Leste’s image as a democratic nation based on the rule of law,” the FM statement adds.
The FM recognises that the money sent by Timorese emigrants is essential to sustain the lives of many families in the country.
However, it expresses concern about the negative impact of youth migration, which contributes to the “brain drain” phenomenon, removing young people with capacity and great ambition from the country, who no longer contribute to the national economy.
“FM believes that the only solution to this crisis facing Timor is to resolve the issue of mass emigration: this is a failure on the part of the government to create a strong economy and job opportunities for all,” FM accuses.
The FM recognises that the money sent by Timorese emigrants is essential to sustain the lives of many families in the country. EPA/ANTONIO DASIPARU
Data from the International Organisation for Migration for 2020 indicates that there are around 50,000 Timorese living abroad, emigrating mainly to Australia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom.
There are various estimates of the number of Timorese in the UK, which could exceed 20,000, according to the Timor-Leste Embassy in London, although the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reports around 2,000, most of them with Portuguese nationality.
The 2021 Census in Northern Ireland revealed a significant increase in the Timorese population in the region, with 2,874 individuals from Timor-Leste registered.
According to data from the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), at the beginning of 2024, there were 13,295 Timorese workers registered in Australia and 5,868 in South Korea.
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