Interim Government Restricts Foreign Travel for Officials Until Next Election
The Chief Advisor’s Office has issued a directive instructing government officials to avoid foreign travel unless “absolutely essential” until the 13th National Parliamentary Election is held.
This new circular was recently sent to all government secretaries, referencing previous circulars from the Chief Advisor’s Office regarding foreign travel and a Finance Division letter dated July 8th. Copies of the circular were also provided to the Private Secretaries of the Advisors.
Reason for the Restriction
The circular highlights that the instructions in previous directives were not being followed properly, and unauthorized foreign travel was occurring. Specific breaches noted include:
• Simultaneous Travel: Both the Minister-in-Charge Advisor and the Secretary of a ministry traveling abroad at the same time.
• Group Travel: Many officials from the same ministry traveling abroad simultaneously.
• Violation of Directives: Such proposals are frequently being sent to the Chief Advisor’s Office, which contradicts previous instructions.
The New Directive
The circular mandates adherence to all previous instructions regarding government officials’ foreign travel and issues the new restriction:
“From now until the next national election is held, all officials are requested to avoid foreign travel unless for an absolutely indispensable reason.”
