At the end of a meeting with the Timorese President, José Ramos-Horta, the Prime Minister told Lusa that the topic of mobility and labor exploitation of Timorese people in Portugal was discussed.

"The matter has been broached. As you know, the problem was stopped at that time and we, since the 10th, have been issuing visas again, but now in a more controlled way. There was an intervention in relation to the Timorese who were in Portuguese territory," he explained.

António Costa said that a protocol will be signed with East Timor on Wednesday 26 July: "It will allow us to follow a good practice, which incidentally, said the President [of Timor-Leste], that Germany has practiced in several countries and that we are already practicing in Cape Verde, to do training on the spot, in the country of origin, for people to develop a professional activity either in the country of origin or in Portugal, but already with training done."

The Portuguese official stressed that "migration is part of the experience of the human being" and that "the fundamental thing is that migration is done through legal channels, so that it is for their own benefit, for the benefit of their country of origin and the country of destination."

"And the only effective way to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking is to have legal migration channels. And that's what we're doing and building," he concluded.

The issue of Timorese immigrants who arrive in Portugal attracted by better living conditions, but with no guarantee of employment or accommodation, was one of the themes highlighted during Ramos-Horta's visit to Portugal at the end of last year.

The Timorese head of state met with President, in a meeting in which they talked about the recent wave of immigration of Timorese to Portugal, with Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stating that the authorities of Portugal and Timor-Leste are working together to create conditions of stay for Timorese people and combat illegalities.