Strict restrictions on foreign travel for govt officials until election

The interim government has imposed fresh restrictions on foreign travel for government officials ahead of the upcoming national election. The Chief Adviser’s Office has instructed that no official should travel abroad until the election is held, except for urgent and unavoidable reasons.

In a recent circular issued by the Chief Adviser’s Office, it was stated that earlier directives regarding foreign trips were not being properly followed. It observed that several advisers and secretaries from different ministries were travelling abroad at the same time, while in some cases, multiple officials from the same ministry were travelling together—actions that go against previous instructions.

The circular mentioned that earlier directives from the Chief Adviser’s Office and a letter from the Finance Division dated July 8 had already outlined restrictions on foreign travel and provided specific guidelines. However, those instructions were reportedly being ignored.

Therefore, from now on, all officials have been instructed to refrain from travelling abroad unless it is absolutely essential, until the national election is concluded.

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