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The United States Agency for International Development, on Sunday, at 11:59 p.m. placed no fewer than 1,600 employees worldwide on administrative leave.
The administrative leave was announced in a statement titled “Notification of Administrative Leave”, on the agency’s website.
“As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally”, the statement partly read.
It added, “Concurrently, USAID is beginning to implement a Reduction-in-Force that will affect approximately 1,600 USAID personnel with duty stations in the United States.”
Affected employees received direct notifications, detailing the next steps regarding their employment status, benefits, and future options.
“Individuals that are impacted will receive specific notifications on February 23, 2025, with further instructions and information about their benefits and rights”The statement added.
The statement further disclosed that amid the uncertainty, a select group of essential personnel was tasked with continuing operations. These individuals, identified by agency leadership, were expected to remain in their roles despite the sweeping changes.
“Designated essential personnel who are expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership on February 23, 2025, by 5 p.m. EST.”
The impact of these changes was particularly pronounced for USAID’s overseas personnel. However, the agency pledged to ensure their safety.
The agency also outlined a voluntary, agency-funded return travel programme for those stationed abroad, aiming to facilitate their transition back home.
However, until their return, these personnel would retain access to essential agency systems and diplomatic support.
“For overseas personnel, USAID intends a voluntary Agency-funded return travel programme and other benefits.
“USAID is committed to keeping its overseas personnel safe. Until they return home, personnel will retain access to Agency systems and to diplomatic and other resources.
“In the coming week, we will provide details on how to retrieve personal items from the former USAID workspaces and return government-issued devices”, the agency informed staff.
Also, employees without access to USAID systems were advised to check USAID.gov for ongoing updates, as agency officials promised continued communication through official channels.
“Additional guidance is forthcoming, and all future updates/notices will continue to be communicated through official USAID channels and posted on USAID.gov for those without access to USAID systems”, the statement concluded.
Pascal Arogorn Ibe
