Horta, however, clarified that according to the Timor-Leste constitution, the responsibility for addressing passport issues lies primarily with the government, particularly the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; Justice; and Interior, as well as the Department of Immigration.
"There's always problems overseas, and that's normal. It happens everywhere in the world to migrant workers," Horta told SBS Tetum.
"To resolve this issue is through government to government (dialogue) and through our embassy in Australia.
"Ambassador, Ines Almeida is someone who is very competent and knows Australia very well. I trust she will tale care of the issue.
"I will see if I can talk to minister Penny Wong or Prime Minister Albanese. But (at the end of the day) this issue is a Timor-Leste government responsibility."
SBS Tetum sought comment from the Timor-Leste government but did not receive a response at time of publication.
Passport dilemma
In July, SBS Tetum highlighted the dilemma facing an estimated 500 workers from Timor-Leste in Australia currently holding expired passports, stopping them from travelling back to their homeland.
Adding to the complexities, the only pathway for this cohort to renew their passports is to do so in person back in Timor-Leste.
The workers called on Timorese authorities to implement a scheme for them to renew their passports in Australia, which is an arrangement currently in place for those working in the UK, Ireland and South Korea.
While acknowledging the limitations of his office in directly resolving the matter, Horta said a "swift and efficient" solution was urgently needed.
Timorese migrant workers globally contribute millions of dollars to Timor-Leste's economy annually through remittance inflows.
Remittances 'doubled'
According to the , remittance inflow more than doubled from USD$62 million in 2015 to an estimated USD$171 million in 2021.
These remittances now account for approximately 8.7 per cent of Timor-Leste's total national income, playing a crucial role in the country's economic landscape.
For an oil-dependent nation striving to diversify its economy, these financial inflows from overseas workers represent a vital source of economic stability and growth, contributing significantly to positive socioeconomic development.
Our job is to help the workers, not to create bureaucracy to complicate things.Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta
Horta said the passport process may need "modernising", suggesting the use of electronic passports and modern technology to streamline passport renewals.
"We are now in the 21st century. We should not waste our time," he said.
Two Timorese workers affected by the passport problem, Pedro* and Manuel*, said they were pleased the president was taking action to address the issue.
However, they said they understood he was limited in what he could do under the constitution.
Many workers from Timor-Leste come to Australia to work as seasonal fruit-pickers. (Representative image) Source: AAP
Pedro said: "And of course having a electronic passports would be a good idea."
Manuel said: "I hope this will happen soon. I am worried and anxious if the government changes again and no action is taken to (allow us to) renew our passports here."
*names changed to protect privacy
