Australia increases funding to Maluk Timor to improve the skills of Timorese health workers in health clinics with special attention to prevention and controlling infections like COVID-19. The Australian government will also support Timor-Leste’s isolation facilities.
Canberra wants to ensure the welfare of the Timorese who are working under the Seasonal Workers Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme in Australia, where they have access to the same medical treatment as Australian citizens. Advice about travel and health is being communicated to them through the employers. Australia continues to support Australia Award Scholarship students from Timor-Leste who are currently at Australian universities.
On 18 March 2020 the Australian government advised it’s citizens not to travel overseas, as more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions. Australia has offered voluntary departures for all dependants of staff employed at Australian embassies such as in Timor-Leste, and some staff. Meanwhile the Australian embassy’s operations continue. Official communications from the Australian government can be followed through the embassy’s Facebook page (*)