The Chief Adviser’s Office has issued a directive instructing government officials to refrain from foreign trips until the upcoming national election unless such travel is deemed absolutely necessary. 

The move comes as part of an effort to ensure administrative focus and discipline in the run-up to the polls.

According to a recently circulated office order, all ministries and divisions have been reminded to strictly comply with earlier instructions restricting official foreign travel. Copies of the circular have been sent to secretaries of all ministries and divisions, the Cabinet Secretary, and personal secretaries to all advisers.

The circular notes that despite previous directives from the Chief Adviser’s Office and a letter from the Finance Division dated 8 July limiting overseas trips, several ministries have continued to approve and propose foreign visits in violation of those orders. 

It observed that advisers and secretaries from the same ministry were at times travelling abroad simultaneously, and in some cases, multiple officials from a single ministry were undertaking foreign tours together.

Describing these practices as inconsistent with earlier instructions, the Chief Adviser’s Office stressed the need for strict adherence to the restrictions. It reiterated that, until the next national election is held, officials should avoid foreign travel except for essential and unavoidable reasons.