Seeking Overseas Training Allowances
This scenario guides civil servants and their supervising officers through the allowances, conditions, and obligations that apply when officers travel overseas for conferences, training courses, or scholarships. The type of travel and its duration determine which allowances apply, and scholarship awards carry additional obligations including a mandatory Surety Bond.
Obtain Approval Before Travelling
No officer may travel overseas on official business — whether for a conference, training course, or scholarship — without prior written approval. Approval must be obtained from the Head of Department, the Permanent Secretary, and (for most overseas travel) the PS-PMO. Travel orders and a travel authority letter must be in place before departure. Travelling without these authorisations means allowances may not be paid and the absence may be treated as unauthorised.
Determine Which Category of Overseas Travel Applies
The allowances and conditions that apply depend on the nature and duration of the travel. There are three main categories: (A) Conference or short visit (under 2 months) — governed by conference/visit per diem rules; (B) Training course (4 weeks to 1 year) — attracts a training travel grant; (C) Scholarship (1 year or more) — salary continues, special allowances may be approved by PS-PMO, and a Surety Bond is mandatory.
What type of overseas travel is this?
Submit Your Return Report and Claim
Within 14 days of returning from any overseas travel, the officer must submit a written report to their HoD and the PS-PMO covering the purpose of the travel, what was attended or studied, and any key outcomes or knowledge gained. Outstanding per diem or allowance claims must be settled and any unspent advance refunded. Failure to submit a return report may affect eligibility for future overseas travel approvals. For scholarship returnees, the PS-PMO will also arrange a formal debriefing session.
Scenario Complete
For the full legal text, see: GO 06301–06305 and PPM Ch. 12