Rajya Sabha members undertaking foreign travel must inform the Secretary-General at least 3 weeks in advance, obtain political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs through the online portal www.epolclearance.gov.in, and secure separate permission for accepting foreign hospitality under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
Understanding the foreign travel governance: These protocols serve multiple diplomatic and ethical purposes. The advance notification requirement enables coordination with Indian diplomatic missions, ensuring members receive appropriate support and recognition abroad. The political clearance process safeguards India's foreign policy consistency by allowing MEA to evaluate the appropriateness of foreign engagements. The FCRA permission requirement for foreign hospitality prevents potential conflicts of interest or improper influence from foreign entities. The diplomatic passport regulations maintain the dignity of the document while preventing potential misuse for commercial purposes. Collectively, these protocols balance members' freedom to engage internationally with the need to maintain coordinated foreign policy, diplomatic protocol, and ethical standards around foreign influence.
Key citations:
- Section 14.1 establishes the basic notification requirement: "Members are requested to send information of their visit abroad, stating the purpose, to the Secretary-General at least 3 weeks in advance" - ensuring official awareness of parliamentary travel.
- Section 16.1-2 mandates political clearance: "Members are required to apply for prior political clearance directly to the Ministry of External Affairs by using the link www.epolclearance.gov.in and ensure that before proceeding abroad the requisite political clearance has been obtained" with applications made "at least 3 weeks in advance" - creating a formal vetting process.
- Section 15.1-3 requires hospitality permission: "Members are required to obtain prior permission of the Central Government for accepting any foreign hospitality" under "Section 6 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010," with applications submitted "at least two weeks before the proposed date of onward journey" - preventing undisclosed foreign benefits.
- Section 12.2-3 clarifies diplomatic passport usage: "Diplomatic Passports are issued to the spouses of such persons to accompany them on their travels abroad. While Diplomatic Passports can be used for private visit [tourism or to visit friends/relatives], they are not meant to be used when traveling abroad for private business" - maintaining proper use of official documents.
- Section 16.6 issues a crucial caution: "It may kindly be ensured that none of their activities during those visits give an unintended impression that Members are on an official visit on behalf of Indian Parliament" - preventing diplomatic confusion.
- Section 15.4 adds an ethical safeguard: "Before accepting the hospitality, the Members should satisfy themselves about the credentials of the organization/institution extending the hospitality" - encouraging due diligence against problematic associations.