Regarding airfare, the official text stated: “Transfers in compliance with official missions or commissions abroad must be carried out by the shortest and lowest cost route; both factors must be taken into account, prioritizing the first over the second, both in the going as on the way back“.
Government cuts on foreign travel
The new regulations, signed by Franks and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina, Diana Mondinoestablishes that transfers in compliance with missions or commissions abroad that are of an official nature must be carried out obligatorily by “ the shortest and lowest cost route“. The text also prioritizes “the first factor over the second“, imposing the distance over the cost of the flight.
In detail about the flights, the administrative decision also detailed that “the airline that operates the shortest route and has the most appropriate fare as far as possible.” According to the Government, the tickets must be issued by the same airline for the outbound and return routes, when this “It was the most economical option“.
The official making the trip must report the decision in “sworn statement character” that the event you must attend “does not have alternatives that allow adequate remote intervention” and that presence at the same “It is imperative for the interests of the National State“.
Article 3 establishes that it will be the Chief of Staff the person responsible for “approve transfers on official missions and commissions abroad“in the case of “Ministers, Secretaries of the PRESIDENCY OF THE NATION, Deputy Chiefs of Staff of the OFFICE OF THE CABINET OF MINISTERS, other officials with the rank and hierarchy of Minister and other officials with direct dependence on the same.”
In addition, the government limited the delegations to a maximum of “one official or authority for each international event or activity“. In this sense, the text details that “in the event of an exceptional requirement to expand the delegation, the requesting authority must expressly justify it by mentioning the reasons that justify the request.” presence of each additional member“.
Regarding the type of passage that they will be able to access, the regulations divide public officials into four groups:
- Officials in Group A, at minister level or higher, will be able to access business class tickets.In the case of the transfer of officials with the rank of secretary, they may only travel in business class for trips lasting more than 8 hours.
- Officials in Groups B, C and D will be issued economy class tickets..
Finally, the Authorities and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship are exempt from the provisions of Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the measure.
Modifications to daily expenses and travel expenses
Regarding the payment of the food and lodging costs of the delegation, the Government indicated that when the invitations guarantee the food coverage, a maximum of 50% of the corresponding travel expenses will be settled. On the other hand, if the invitation includes accommodation, no amount will be paid for this concept.
“The amounts for travel and accommodation in foreign currency will be established based on the exchange rate of said currency on the day prior to the departure date, Selling exchange rate reported by the CENTRAL BANK OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC“, detailed the official text.
The application must be submitted at least 10 days before the commission abroad and must meet a series of requirements. Among these, officials must attach a invitation to the mission and the justification of the trip, which must include a schedule of activities, the amounts to be covered, the reservation of the tickets and the authorization of your superior.
Source: Ambito
