- A request of a country for admission to the Union can be received in writing, together with the appropriate documentation, by the Secretary General via the Secretariat at any time. It will then be considered by the Executive Committee, Bureau, or Council, whichever meets next after the application has been received, and if approved, membership shall begin on 1 January of the following year, provided that payment of that year’s dues are received. The admission of a new Member approved by the Executive Committee or Bureau must be ratified by the Council at its next regular meeting. If payment has been received of the dues for the current year, the Council may allow a newly admitted National Adhering Organization to vote at the current Council meeting, on all items after the ratification of membership.