Timor-Leste Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme Update Expands Seasonal Work Opportunities In New Zealand

Before the main announcement, let us understand a few key terms

Recognised Seasonal Employer or (RSE) Scheme

The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme is a programme initiated by the Government of New Zealand. It basically allows employers who have approval to hire workers overseas on a short term basis or seasonal jobs whenever there is a shortage of local workers. The requirements are mainly in farming-related industries such as Horticulture and Viticulture that need extra workers at certain times of the year.

-Horticulture refers to growing fruits, vegetables and flowers.

-Viticulture refers to growing grapes, mainly for wine production.

These industries very much depend on seasonal labour, especially during planting, harvesting and pruning periods.

Eligible Countries

Only citizens from approved countries can take part in the RSE scheme. Countries like these are selected by the New Zealand Government based on their labour needs, health requirements and any partnerships they might have internally.

Health Requirements and Certificates

All workers under or applying for the RSE scheme must meet all health standards. For applicants from countries where tuberculosis (TB) is more common, a chest X-ray certificate is required to confirm they do not have the disease.

What Has Been Announced

From 28 April 2025, Timor‑Leste will officially be added to the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.

This means that employers in New Zealand will be allowed to recruit eligible citizens from Timor-Leste to work in the horticulture and viticulture industries under the RSE scheme.

What This Means for Employers

From the date of effect Employers facing labour shortages will have access to a larger scale of seasonal workers. Timor-Leste citizens can also legally be hired for seasonal farm and vineyard work. All standard RSE rules will apply, that includes fair pay, safe working conditions and providing proper accommodation.

The change is expected to lessen the workforce pressures especially at peak seasons, like fruit-growing and wine-producing regions.What This Means for Workers from Timor-Leste

For the citizens of Timor-Leste, this update creates new opportunities such as:

-Access to short-term, legal employment in New Zealand and the ability to gain international work experience. -Opportunity to earn income that can support families and communities back home.

-Applicants from Timor-Leste will be assessed in the same way as other RSE workers, ensuring fairness and consistency. Health Requirements Explained Simply

While Timor-Leste workers will follow the same general health rules as other RSE applicants, there is one additional requirement:

Timor-Leste is not classified as a country with a low incidence of tuberculosis. As a result, applicants must provide a chest X-ray certificate when applying. This requirement is a standard public health measure to protect both workers and the wider community in New Zealand.

Importance of the Matter

Adding Timor-Leste to the RSE Scheme brings in strong regional cooperation and helps address labour shortages in key agricultural sectors. This also supports economic development by providing safe, regulated overseas employment pathways and opportunities.

Simply put, for employers it means greater workforce stability and for workers it means new opportunities under a well-regulated system.