Mandated by Congress, the Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) provides the legal foundation to facilitate secure and efficient operations of U.S. missions abroad, and of foreign missions and international organizations in the United States. In doing so, OFM serves the interests of the American public, the American diplomatic community abroad, and the foreign diplomatic community residing in the United States to see that all diplomatic benefits, privileges, and immunities are properly exercised in accordance with federal and international laws.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Office of Foreign Missions' Start a new discussion about 'Office of Foreign Missions' Answer questions from other users |
Bureau of Diplomatic Security - Office of Foreign Missions
Mandated by Congress, the
Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) provides the legal foundation to facilitate secure and efficient operations of U.S. missions abroad, and of foreign missions and international organizations in the United States. In doing so, OFM serves the interests of the American public, the American diplomatic community abroad, and the foreign diplomatic community residing in the United States to see that all diplomatic benefits, privileges, and immunities are properly exercised in accordance with federal and international laws. As part of the
Bureau of Diplomatic SecurityThe Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the parent organization of the Diplomatic Security Service . However, both terms are used interchangeably within the State Department and other agencies. Recently multi-agency press releases from the US Attorney’s offices use the technically correct Diplomatic...
(DS), OFM works closely with the DS Protective Liaison Division and the Foreign Missions Branch of the U.S.
Secret ServiceSecret Service may refer to these organizations:* Secret service, umbrella term for various kinds of police or intelligence organizations* United States Secret Service, American law enforcement and protective agency...
to ensure the safety and security of the foreign missions and their personnel.
The Office of Foreign Missions has three missions: ensuring compliance of diplomatic privileges and immunities for foreign diplomats and officials residing in the United States; improving the treatment of U.S. personnel assigned abroad by imposing reciprocal treatment on foreign diplomats assigned to the United States; and providing service to the foreign diplomatic and consular community in matters relating to motor vehicles, tax, customs, property, and travel.
OFM establishes and maintains relationships with U.S. law enforcement and security communities at the national, state, and local levels to educate about diplomatic privilege and immunity issues. OFM personnel conduct outreach and training seminars with these constituencies in conjunction with representatives from other Diplomatic Security offices, the Bureau of Consular Affairs, and the Office of Protocol.
As an advocate for reciprocal agreements, OFM presses for fair treatment of U.S. personnel abroad while assuring foreign diplomats based in the United States receive the same treatment that each respective government provides in return. Additionally, OFM assists foreign missions in dealing with local government offices in the United States.
Finally, OFM provides a range of services to the foreign diplomatic community, including the issuance of vehicle titles, registrations, driver's licenses, and license plates; processing tax exemption and duty-free customs requests; and facilitating property acquisitions within local zoning law restrictions. By assisting, advising, and regulating services for foreign diplomats, their dependents, and their staffs while residing in the United States, OFM promotes and strengthens the relationship between governments.
See also
United States Department of StateThe United States Department of State, often referred to as the State Department, is the Cabinet-level foreign affairs agency of the United States government, similar to foreign ministries, foreign offices, ministries of external relations, etc. in other countries...
(DoS)
Diplomatic Security ServiceThe U.S. Diplomatic Security Service is the federal law enforcement arm of the United States Department of State. The majority of its Special Agents are members of the Foreign Service and federal law enforcement agents at the same time, making them unique. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the...
(DSS)
Bureau of Diplomatic SecurityThe Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the parent organization of the Diplomatic Security Service . However, both terms are used interchangeably within the State Department and other agencies. Recently multi-agency press releases from the US Attorney’s offices use the technically correct Diplomatic...
(DS)
External links