Timor-Leste Council of Ministers Approves Civil Service Pay Raise
On September 11, 2026, the Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste convened at the Government Palace in Dili to deliberate on several key legislative proposals. A significant outcome of this meeting was the approval of a draft Decree-Law introducing an extraordinary salary progression for civil servants in the general career track.
Details of the Salary Progression
The newly approved legislation aims to enhance motivation, professional development, and performance among civil servants. Under this scheme:
- Civil servants in grades D to A will receive an advancement of one salary step.
- Those in grades G to E will be advanced by two salary steps, except for individuals already in the penultimate step, who will receive a one-step advancement.
However, certain categories are excluded from this progression, including:
- Staff on probation.
- Individuals serving disciplinary suspensions or periods of inactivity.
- Employees on unpaid leave.
- Those who received a performance appraisal rating below 'Good' in their most recent evaluation.
- Employees already at the top step of their respective grade.
Additionally, civil servants who have already benefited from the general civil service career promotion scheme in 2026 are not eligible for this extraordinary progression. The adjustments are set to take effect retroactively from August 1, 2026.
Implications for the Civil Service
This legislative move underscores the government's commitment to improving the efficiency and quality of public service delivery. By incentivizing civil servants through financial progression, the administration aims to foster a more motivated and competent workforce, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Timor-Leste.
Additional Legislative Approvals
In the same session, the Council of Ministers approved a draft Government Decree concerning the timetable for electoral registration abroad, in preparation for the 2027 presidential elections. The registration and updating of electoral records for citizens residing overseas are scheduled between October 8, 2026, and January 22, 2027. This initiative seeks to facilitate the participation of the Timorese diaspora in the forthcoming elections by deploying additional resources to diplomatic missions and considering the establishment of mobile registration posts.
Furthermore, the Council authorized the expenditure and initiation of the procurement process for the construction and installation of a Hybrid Energy Supply System for Ataúro Island, with an estimated cost of US$13.5 million. This project aims to provide a stable and efficient 24-hour electricity supply by integrating solar photovoltaic power, battery storage, and modern diesel generators, thereby supporting the island's development and improving living conditions.
Lastly, a draft Government Resolution was approved to appoint Nelinho Vital as an effective member of the Superior Council of the Judiciary for a four-year term, replacing Alexandre Gentil Corte-Real de Araújo. This council is responsible for overseeing and disciplining judicial magistrates, as well as managing the appointment, placement, transfer, and promotion of judges in Timor-Leste.
These legislative developments reflect the government's proactive approach to enhancing public administration, electoral processes, energy infrastructure, and judicial oversight, contributing to the nation's ongoing development and governance reforms.
