'No' to recreational overseas travel, long-term study leave for govt employees

The advisors and secretaries in charge of the same ministry have been asked to avoid travelling abroad together, except for ‘crucial national interests’

The interim government has issued new directives discouraging public officials from travelling abroad, saying “no” to the simultaneous travel of advisors and secretaries of the same ministry without “essential national interests."

A notification issued by the Chief Advisor’s Office, or CAO, on Monday said, “Government officials at all levels shall avoid recreational travel abroad and long-term study leave."

In the case of sending a proposal for foreign travel, the details of the foreign travel of the proposed officer for the previous one year should be attached.

“In general, foreign travel will be discouraged. The officials have to prepare a forecast of potential foreign trips for the year,” the notification read.

“A ministry-based database must be developed for foreign travels. The CAO will oversee its framework and manage the data."

It also said that public officials at all levels must avoid travelling abroad in groups.

The advisors and secretaries in charge of the ministry have been discouraged from travelling abroad together. However, if such a trip is absolutely necessary in the ‘national interest’, the issue of ‘indispensability’ must be specifically mentioned, according to the notice.

“Secretaries and department heads may only travel together if it serves a critical national purpose. Proposals for attending seminars or workshops must include details about the rank of invited officials and counterparts from other participating countries,” it read.

Travel proposals must outline the necessity of the trip and its relevance to the official's responsibilities, the circular stated, adding that only relevant experts should be sent abroad for activities such as procurement and pre-shipment inspections.