The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme helps employers in the horticulture and viticulture industries to recruit seasonal workers from overseas, primarily from Pacific countries, when no suitable New Zealand workers are available.

From 28 April 2025, Timor-Leste will be added to the list of eligible countries able to participate in the RSE scheme.

From that date, employers will be eligible to recruit citizens of Timor-Leste to work in New Zealand in these industries.

Applicants from Timor-Leste will have the same health requirements as all other RSE applicants. However, as it is not on the list of countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis, applicants will be required to provide a chest X-ray certificate with their application.

More information can be found here:

Countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis

RSE Scheme overview for employers