The Department of Justice has issued an advisory opinion that reconfirms guidance allowing companies to sponsor foreign government officials for trips to the United States in some circumstances without risking violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. In an opinion procedure released last week, the Justice Department said a U.S. company, which had earlier requested the agency’s opinion on the matter, could pay travel and related expenses for two foreign official guests to visit it’s operations in the United States.
In the opinion letter the Justice Department quoted two previous FCPA opinion releases, similar to the recent request, that gave approval for sponsored educational trips for 6 foreign government officials from Asia with the purpose of introducing these officials to the companies’ U.S. operations and educating them on the nature of their businesses.
