Existing provisions of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) took full effect Sept. 1, impacting Department of Defense and NATO coalition contractors working in Afghanistan. The BSA is similar to status of forces agreements and covers military members serving overseas and applies to personnel working in the country as part of the U.S. Military forces. This includes military, contractors or U.S. Government employees supporting U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. It includes not only entry and exit requirements, but also procedures for obtaining business licenses, permits for personnel authorized to be armed in performance of official duties, boarding and use of aircraft for travel. There are approximately 35,000 contractors currently working in Afghanistan, and ensuring they are in compliance is the responsibility of their companies. If you have questions, contact your contracting officer representative or Headquarters, Resolute Support BSA office at usforabsajc@afghan.swa.army.mil.
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