Streamlining Timor-Leste's Visa Process

Streamlining Timor-Leste's Visa Process

Reply to the article in East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) from Macao News

https://macaonews.org/.../lus.../timor-leste-visa-embassies/

24 June 2024

The change in Timor-Leste's visa processes to allow migration attachés in Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, and Portugal to issue visas for 'work, business, temporary stays, establishment of residence, transit, tourism and airport stopovers' is an excellent development on two fronts. Providing multiple access points to process visas is a logical and timely addition to the government's ongoing work to streamline various areas of administration to make it easier for businesses to invest. On the ASEAN accession front, this will only serve to deepen ties across the ASEAN and wider region.

With the processes now in place, I look forward to seeing the Timor-Leste Government include a wider selection of countries. I hope the modalities of the visa process, timeline, documents required, fees applied, etc., have also been worked out to roll this out with a sense of clarity and urgency, given its importance.

It's worth noting that this is one of several recent steps in the Timor-Leste government's multifaceted approach to developing processes and infrastructure for business and investment. Other initiatives this month included the Timor-Leste Australia Business & Investment Conference in Dili (11-12 June) and the Enhancing Trade and Investment Negotiation Skills Workshop (24 June). In addition to these, the newly formed Timor-Leste – Australia Business Council will have an important support and advocacy role for current and prospective Australian businesses in Timor-Leste.