DILI:The Australian government has offered to extend the temporary visas of Timorese students and seasonal workers for up to 12 months, a move welcomed by the government of Timor-Leste as “helping to improve the livelihoods of their families and communities back home.”

Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Australia, Ines Maria Almedia, said in a statement that the measure would benefit both countries, providing financial support to Timor-Leste and helping food production in Australia during the difficult coronavirus pandemic.

Alemedia also said the ability for Timorese citizen to remain overseas would reduce pressure on the country’s quarantine system.

 “It will relieve pressure on local authorities and health systems in Timor-Leste who would need to organise quarantine locations for returning workers. I thank the Australian government for such an important announcement,” Ambassador Almeida said.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste has announced students studying overseas will be entitled to a subsidy to assist them with education and living expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.