The consultation introduced the ILO’s new regional labour migration programme and gathered private-sector input to support its implementation in Timor-Leste.
The Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL) had a consultation session with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Dili on 9 June to discuss the launch of the TRIANGLE Partnerships for Fair and Effective Labour Migration in ASEAN programme. The five-year initiative, which will run from 2026 to 2031, aims to promote safe, fair and effective labour migration in several ASEAN countries, including Timor-Leste. The programme is supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
CCI-TL was represented by Vice President for ASEAN and WTO Affairs Sidonio Freitas, Vice President for Planning and Investment Hernani, and Executive Director Domingos Natividade. The ILO delegation included Ms Anna Engblom, Chief Technical Advisor for TRIANGLE Partnerships, and Ms Lita Octavia, ILO Programme Officer for Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
During the consultation, ILO said labour migration had become an important contributor to employment and economic development in Timor-Leste. The discussion covered topics such as fair recruitment, legal migration pathways, skills mobility, social protection, labour protection, and the reintegration of migrant workers returning home. Additionally, CCI-TL provided recommendations on priorities for cooperation with the private sector.
The consultation will contribute to the preparation of Timor-Leste’s National Work Plan for 2026 to 2027. CCI-TL also reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with the ILO and other partners to strengthen the country’s labour environment and workforce development.
Source: Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL)
