USAID places staff on leave, recalls personnel overseas

The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump confirms he is considering eliminating the aid agency.

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has ordered nearly all directly-hired staff of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to be placed on leave as part of the Republican’s drive to shrink the government radically.

USAID said on Tuesday that all direct hire personnel would be put on leave from Friday, apart from “designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs.”.

USAID personnel posted overseas will be recalled from their postings within 30 days, the agency said on its website.

The aid agency said it would consider case-by-case exceptions and 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,” the statement said.

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