Occasionally, some employees are invited to work for a foreign
entity. Employees considering foreign employment should be aware
of the following prohibitions:
Emoluments Clause of the Constitution of the United States -
Prohibits employees from accepting any outside employment with a foreign
government or the political subdivision of a foreign government, including
a public university or commercial enterprise owned or operated by a
foreign government. The ban does not apply to a foreign privately owned
corporation or an international organization.
Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act (5 USC 7342) - Prohibits
employees from accepting a gift exceeding $285 in value from a
foreign government or an international organization whose membership
is composed of any unit of foreign government. A prohibited gift
even includes travel expenses exceeding $285 in value unless the
travel takes place entirely outside the United States. The restriction
extends to the spouse and dependents of the employee. The Agency
can, however, accept travel and related expenses from a foreign
government as part of U.S. Government duties on behalf of the
employee.
Foreign Agents (18 USC 219) - Prohibits an employee from acting
as an agent of a foreign principal registered under the Foreign Agents
Registration Act unless the head of the agency certifies that the employment
is in the national interest.
Department of Agriculture, Human Resources Management, Employee
Responsibilities and Conduct Bulletin: 735-1, Section 207(e) - Prohibits
employees who are serving abroad from having an interest in any business
enterprise or engaging in any profession in any country to which assigned.
