Impacts of temporary labour migration schemes on wellbeing of workers & their households in Timor-Leste: a comparative evaluation of the Australian Seasonal Workers Programme & South Korean Employment Permit System

With staunch support from research partner organisations of the Government of Timor-Leste, the Australian Government, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this research produces new insights into the impact of temporary labour migration schemes on the wellbeing, skills and capacity development of migrants and their households in Timor-Leste. The study examines the wellbeing/life satisfaction, hopes, aspirations and employment outcomes of Timorese migrant workers currently working in Australia and following their return to Timor-Leste. The focus is on Timorese workers under two specific labour migration schemes: Australian Seasonal Workers Programme (SWP) and South Korean Employment Permit System (EPS).

The purpose of this project is to inform policies for reintegration in terms of recognising and maximising the value of migrants' overseas work experiences. By comparing the experiences of Timorese labour migrants in the Australian Seasonal Workers Programme (SWP) with a cohort in the South Korean Employment Permit System (EPS) program, improvements are expected in labour migration opportunities, backed up by strong social protection of migrants. An Australian Research Council Linkage Project Report.