The Cabinet Division has rolled out a new foreign travel policy for federal officials to promote austerity and accountability.
Officials must get travel approval from an austerity committee unless it’s essential and submit trip details to the Foreign Ministry.
Ministers and secretaries cannot travel abroad together without the Prime Minister’s okay, except in unavoidable situations. Direct Prime Minister approval is needed for any exceptions to this rule. The policy encourages using embassy staff for overseas conferences and restricts official foreign travel to essential trips only. Luxury stays and support staff during travel are banned, with teleconferencing suggested as a travel substitute.
Travel by ministers and advisors requires Prime Minister approval, as does for secretaries and division heads. Travel for groups of up to three Grade 20 officers needs ministerial approval; larger groups need the Prime Minister’s consent. Ministers are limited to three international trips annually, with exceptions in special cases. Foreign and commerce ministry travels are exempt, pending Economic Affairs Division clearance.
Specific officials can fly first class; the Prime Minister and other key figures may travel business class. All others must fly economy, preferring PIA flights. Officials are barred from travelling during legislative sessions and must report their travel details within 15 days.
Contacts with countries lacking diplomatic relations are forbidden. Relations with Taiwan must respect the ‘One China Policy’, and special permissions are required for visits to Korea and India.
Hosting foreign companies is discouraged, except during bilateral discussions with authorized experts and consultants.
