Local council members are now required to upload their travel plans to a website at least 45 days before departure. This new rule aims to ensure that trips are necessary and not simply for minor inspections.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced the change on January 13, 2025. The revision updates the “Standard Regulations for Local Council Official Overseas Travel” and recommends these changes for all local councils.
The revision focuses on improving the procedures for reviewing and managing travel plans.
Under the new rules, council members must submit their travel plans online 45 days in advance. This allows time to gather public opinions and obtain committee approval. Previously, travel plans that needed committee approval had to be posted within three days of the review.
As part of the review, the committee will examine details like the visiting institution, list of employees, and travel expenses. If the travel plan changes, it must be reviewed again.
After the trip, the committee will assess the trip’s results to ensure its legality and appropriateness within 60 days. This is an extension from the previous rule, which required a report to the authorizing authority within 15 days. If any issues arise during the review, the Ethics Special Committee will investigate the matter.
