The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has placed approximately 1,600 employees on administrative leave as of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The agency announced the decision in a statement titled “Notification of Administrative Leave,” posted on its official website.
According to the statement, all direct-hire personnel, except those designated for mission-critical functions, core leadership, or specially designated programs, were affected globally. Additionally, USAID is implementing a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) that specifically impacts about 1,600 personnel stationed in the United States.
Affected employees were directly notified of the decision and provided with instructions regarding their employment status, benefits, and available options.
“Individuals that are impacted will receive specific notifications on February 23, 2025, with further instructions and information about their benefits and rights,” the agency stated.
Despite the large-scale workforce reduction, USAID has retained a select group of essential personnel to continue operations. These individuals, identified by agency leadership, were informed of their status by 5 p.m. EST on February 23, 2025.
The move has had a significant impact on USAID’s overseas personnel. In response, the agency has pledged to ensure their safety and has introduced a voluntary, agency-funded return travel program to assist those stationed abroad in transitioning back home.
“For overseas personnel, USAID intends a voluntary Agency-funded return travel program and other benefits,” the statement read. “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.”
Additionally, the agency has outlined procedures for employees to retrieve personal belongings from former USAID workspaces and return government-issued devices.
To ensure continued communication, USAID advised employees without system access to check USAID.gov for updates and future notices, emphasizing that all official announcements would be made through authorized channels.
