Amando de Sa Benevides, Minister of Justice, told reporters that having new work opportunities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Korea, many more Timorese than usual were needing to renew their passports while living in these countries.

The absence of passport offices in these countries and need to be physically present to submit passports for renewal, a requirement for issuing the document, had created a situation where some Timorese living abroad had expired passports and unable to travel.

Benevides did not provide detail when the offices will open.