BM Desk : Officials have been told by the administration to avoid traveling overseas unless absolutely necessary until the next national parliamentary election. Recently, the Chief Adviser’s Office released a circular restating adherence to current guidelines for official travel abroad.

The circular states that a letter dated July 8 from the Finance Division and previous directives from the Chief Adviser’s Office had previously placed limitations and rules on international travel. It has been noted, meanwhile, that several officials continue to travel abroad despite improperly adhering to these directions.

“Advisers in charge of ministries and secretaries are traveling abroad at the same time. Several officials from the same ministry are also going abroad together. Such proposals are being frequently submitted to this office, which goes against previously issued instructions.”

In light of this, the new circular emphasizes strict adherence to all earlier directives regarding foreign travel and instructs that no official should travel abroad without compelling necessity until the next national election is held.

Copies of the circular have been sent to all ministries and division secretaries, the Cabinet Secretary, and the personal secretaries to all advisers.