The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is preparing to place the majority of its global workforce on leave by the end of this week.
The agency announced that only personnel deemed essential for critical operations will be allowed to continue working, with notifications from leadership expected by Thursday, February 6.
In a statement, USAID detailed that starting Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EST), all direct-hire employees worldwide will be placed on administrative leave, except for those tasked with mission-critical responsibilities, core leadership roles, and specially designated programs.
Essential employees will receive official confirmation of their status by 3:00 PM (EST) on February 6.
For personnel stationed abroad, USAID is working in coordination with its missions and the Department of State to arrange their return to the United States within 30 days. Additionally, contracts for Personal Service Contractors (PSCs) and International Service Contractors (ISCs) that are not deemed essential will be terminated.
ALSO READ:Â Vharazipi, Mbuya John, and Chairman Receive Prestigious GD6 Award from Dr. Tungwarara
The agency explained:
“USAID is formulating a plan to facilitate the return travel of employees based overseas within the required timeframe. This will include adhering to all relevant laws and regulations while terminating contracts that are considered nonessential.”
The agency also noted that exceptions for return travel and contract termination would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as personal or family hardships, safety concerns, or other unique circumstances.
Examples include medical needs, pregnancy, or the timing of dependents’ school terms.
USAID, which employs around 10,000 people globally and manages the bulk of U.S. foreign aid, allocated $6.5 billion in aid to Africa in 2024 alone. However, the agency has faced significant shifts and challenges in recent months.
Efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk to dismantle the agency and merge its responsibilities into the State Department have introduced considerable uncertainty about its future.
