The government says factoring in a period of adjustment to work in South Korea is needed, pointing to the thousands of Timorese who have succeeded in new work abroad.

Addressing a media briefing, Carlito Rozario Cabral confirmed that “some” Timorese workers employed in South Korea’s fishing sector as part of the Timor-Leste and South Korea labour mobility program had left, complaining of the heavy workload.

Cabral said these workers, whose details were not provided, are currently seeking alternate employment in South Korea.

Critics of the labour conditions Timorese workers face in South Korea , however, have said that some employers in local companies are not treating Timorese staff well.

Currently more than 3,700 Timorese are working in South Korea, according to official government data, and of these 1,300 have left the system and are working illegally.