Pioneering Change: Women Leading Safe and Inclusive Border Management in Timor-Leste

Dili, Timor-Leste – In Timor-Leste, safe and well-managed borders are more than just an innovative approach to human rights-based migration management. They have become a cornerstone, a symbol of progress in the way this young nation has addressed the dynamic migration context it faces.  

For Adelaide Da Rosa, the first woman to serve as the Director General for Migration Service in Timor-Leste, this mission is personal. Her story intertwines the aspirations of a nation with her determination to lead, inspire, and innovate. 

Adelaide’s appointment as the first female Director General marked a turning point, not just for migration management but also for women in similar roles. “As a woman, I always approach decisions thoughtfully, ensuring they are well-considered,” she said. “I strive to uphold the trust and confidence placed in me, aiming to set an example and guide other women in the future.” 

For Adelaide, her role transcends technical responsibilities. It is about breaking barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive future. She sees every challenge as an opportunity to inspire other women, demonstrating that leadership is not confined by gender but defined by vision and determination. 

Timor-Leste’s strategic location, sharing porous borders with Indonesia, presents unique migration challenges. For years, these borders were managed through manual processes, reliant on limited resources. “These manual systems pose significant security risks, as there is no comprehensive framework to effectively monitor and control border movements,” Adelaide explained. 

Strengthening border security became then not just a logistical imperative but a way to promote safe mobility, fight human trafficking and other risks linked to irregular migration. 

Under Adelaide’s leadership, the Migration Service has embraced innovation. Partnering with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the service has prioritized the implementation of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), a cutting-edge digital tool that strengthens border management.

“With IOM’s support, MIDAS has been successfully implemented at three key land border points – Batugade, Salele, and Sakato – as well as at the President Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili and the Migration Services Headquarters,” Adelaide said. 

This partnership extends beyond technology. Officers receive technical training on MIDAS, the Verifier Travel Document and Bearer tools, and procedures to identify and assist victims of human trafficking. IOM has also supported revising the Immigration and Asylum Act to strengthen legal frameworks. 

Adelaide balances her focus on operational success with her broader vision for Timor-Leste. Reflecting on the progress made, she remains optimistic about the road ahead. “IOM helps us achieve our priorities, and I hope this partnership continues to support the full deployment of the MIDAS system, enhance technical expertise in document and data analysis, and provide essential IT training in programming, server management, networking, and cybersecurity.” 

IOM helps ensure that migration is safe and orderly, working to the benefit of those who move, as well as their communities in countries of origin and of destination. When managed well, migration has the power to transform the lives of individuals, their families and communities, and societies for the better. 

The benefits of well-managed migration can be enormous, accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and its transformative promise to leave no one behind, enable adaptation to climate change, fill labour shortages, manage demographic transitions, and provide safety to those fleeing violent conflicts. 

As Timor-Leste continues to develop, Adelaide and women like her are proving that leadership is about more than managing challenges. It is about inspiring change, breaking barriers, and creating a legacy of inclusion and progress. “Leadership is an opportunity to guide others. I hope that by being here, I can inspire other women to step forward and shape the future of our nation.” 

Since 2020, the Government of Timor-Leste, with support from the Department of Home Affairs of Australia (DHA) and the IOM Development Fund (IDF), made notable progress in strengthening border governance through legislative, policy and technical initiatives. The DHA-funded implementation of MIDAS at key border crossing points – including Dili International Airport and other strategic locations – has automated processes and improved data collection for risk analysis. These advancements are guided by an IDF-funded national border management action plan and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance with international standards. As Timor-Leste works toward greater regional integration, including its anticipated ASEAN membership by 2025, these initiatives form a critical foundation for success. 

This progress is a testament to IOM’s 25 years of partnership with the Government and people of Timor-Leste. Since it began operations, IOM has worked alongside the nation, providing support and expertise in areas such as migration management, disaster response and community development. This milestone underscores IOM’s enduring commitment to building a more secure and inclusive future for Timor-Leste. 

This story was written by Andrea Empamano, Media and Communications Officer, IOM Timor-Leste.