§ 2735 — Foreign Relations Exchange Programs

(a) The Secretary may establish exchange programs under which officers or employees of the Department of State, including individuals appointed under title 5 and members of the Foreign Service (as defined in section 3903 of this title), may be assigned, for not more than 1 year, to a position with any foreign government or international entity that permits an employee to be assigned to a position with the Department of State. (1) During a period in which a member of the Foreign Service is participating in an exchange program authorized pursuant to subsection (a), such member shall be entitled to the salary and benefits to which such member would receive but for the assignment under this section. (2) An employee of the Department of State other than a member of the Foreign Service participating in an exchange program authorized pursuant to subsection (a) shall be treated in all respects as if detailed to an international organization pursuant to section 3343(c) of title 5. (3) The salary and benefits of an employee of a foreign government or international entity participating in an exchange program authorized pursuant to subsection (a) shall be paid by such government or entity during the period in which such employee is participating in such program, and shall not be reimbursed by the Department of State. (c) The Secretary may authorize a non-reciprocal assignment of personnel pursuant to this section, with or without reimbursement from the foreign government or international entity for all or part of the salary and other expenses payable during such assignment, if such is in the interests of the United States. (d) Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the appointment as an officer or employee of the United States of— (1) an individual whose allegiance is to any country, government, or foreign or international entity other than to the United States; or (2) an individual who has not met the requirements of sections 3331, 3332, 3333, and 7311 of title 5 or any other provision of law concerning eligibility for appointment as, and continuation of employment as, an officer or employee of the United States.