Govt Bans Officials from Meeting Foreign Nationals Without Clearance

The Ministry of Interior has barred all government officials from meeting or communicating with foreign nationals without prior permission from the Interior Secretary.

According to the notification, the ban applies to all ministries, departments, and subordinate institutions under the federal government. Officials have also been prohibited from accepting invitations for foreign visits, whether in a public or private capacity, without formal clearance.

The ministry emphasized that it will now be mandatory to obtain approval before meeting with foreigners, members of international organizations, or representatives of foreign missions. The letter directed all public officials to strictly comply with the order.

The new restrictions come as part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure transparency and control over foreign engagements by state employees.