The President said in a statement the two leaders discussed conditions for Timorese citizens in Portugal, in particular joint efforts to detect illicit or illegal structures of labour exploitation and trafficking “but also to create conditions for Timorese citizens to remain, especially since the phenomenon intensified from August/September.”

According to President Rebelo de Sousa, the Office of the Prosecutor-General has received several complaints and there have been “labour inspections, in companies, to investigate the precariousness of work, and payment conditions”.

At the moment, 873 Timorese are located in Portugal, "of which the overwhelming majority (more than 500) are being supported or sheltered by different institutions: State, local authorities but also social solidarity institutions."

It was noted that there is a 90-day visa waiver and that people "are free to move, enter, be welcomed and leave".

Ramos-Horta says Timor-Leste is determined to punish groups that deceive young people.

Regarding the Timorese in difficulties in Portugal, Ramos-Horta said that the "situation results from illegal acts of groups, of unscrupulous elements" in Timor-Leste, who "make false promises to young people".

Ramos-Horta and Sousa also reviewed prospect of investment by Portuguese companies in Timor-Leste, namely in the pharmaceutical, footwear, textile and wine industries, and a joint jobs program.