USAID to place global staff on administrative leave

February 5, 2025 at 10:08 AM

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that all direct-hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, effective Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (EST).

Thousands of USAID employees had already been laid off, and numerous programs worldwide were shut down after US President Donald Trump imposed a broad freeze on foreign assistance.

Exceptions will be made for designated personnel handling mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs. Those required to continue working will be notified by February 6 at 3:00 p.m. (EST), USAID in a statement said.

For USAID personnel stationed outside the US, the agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is preparing a plan to facilitate their return travel within 30 days. Non-essential personal services (PSC) and institutional support (ISC) contracts will be terminated, the statement said.

USAID said exceptions for extended stay may be granted on a case-by-case basis for reasons such as dependents’ school terms, medical needs, pregnancy, or safety concerns.

“The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons. For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming.” (Newswire)