USAID places staff on leave globally, recalls personnel posted outside US

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says it is placing all directly-hired staff globally on administrative leave.

In a statement on its website on Tuesday, USAID said the leave begins on February 7 “with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs”.

The agency also said personnel posted overseas would be recalled within 30 days.

“Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST),” the statement reads.

“For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential.”

The aid agency said it would 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,” the statement added.

“Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming. Thank you for your service.”

USAID is the world’s leading international development agency, responsible for billions of dollars in US aid projects across the world.

Most of these funds are channelled into disaster relief efforts while promoting development and global health.

There are reports that Trump intends to issue another executive order that would dismantle USAID and move its operations to the State Department.

The US president and Elon Musk, head of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration, have labelled USAID a “drainpipe” of taxpayer funds while making the case for its closure.