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Reuters instructs staff concerned about travel under Trump ban

Reuters issued instructions to its journalists and other staff on what to do about changes to US border controls and practices ordered by President Donald Trump.

Editor-in-chief Stephen Adler, in a message seen by The Baron, said he knew many of them were concerned about how the changes might affect them and their work.

“As a global news organization, we depend on the ability of our journalists and other staff to move around the world. We are committed to helping you understand the complex new rules and to supporting you fully in your work-related travel,” he wrote.

“At this time, individuals who hold passports from or are citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen appear to be the most affected. If you fall into that group, if your passport reflects travel within countries that may invite heightened scrutiny or if you otherwise believe you could be at risk, we ask you to take the following steps:

“Before you travel into or out of the United States, contact your Managing Editor for Operations or General Manager, or - for visuals journalists - John Pullman [global head of video, pictures and sports, lifestyle and entertainment] or Rickey Rogers [newly-appointed global pictures editor]. Please also get in touch with legal counsel for Reuters prior to your trip. We will provide you with advice and resources.” 

Adler said there was a heightened risk that individuals may be interrogated, searched or detained upon entry or exit to the United States.

“We will continue to monitor any developments related to the new rules and practices, and will do everything we can to protect your safety,” he wrote. 

Adler instructed all Reuters journalists to carry contact information for company lawyers when travelling.

He gave contact details for Gail Gove, Reuters chief counsel, and Katharine Larsen, assistant general counsel. Both are based in the United States.

He told staff who have questions or concerns about travel to contact their managing editor for operations or Gove or Larsen. ■