ORGANIZATION OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Minister for Foreign Affairs is a member of the Cabinet and is the political head of the Department. The Minister has overall responsibility for the conduct of Greifenberg's relations with other states. The Ministry has five (5) functioning Headquarters Divisions:  Administration and Human Resources Division, Political Division, Consular Affairs Division, Legal Affairs Division, Protocol Division, as well as Immigration and Passport Office, Inspection Unit, and a Press Section. The functions of these offices are as follows:

Administration and Human Resources Division

The Administration and Human Resources Division (AHRD) is responsible for the implementation of policies established by relevant authorities relating to the organizational, administrative and human resources matters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Headquarters, Embassies, and Missions). AHRD is also responsible for recommending policies (regarding human, physical and financial resources and issues and relevant systems e.g. information systems) that would improve the organization, administration and operations of the Ministry, Embassies, and Missions.

Political Division

The Political Division is responsible for managing and coordinating the Ministry’s responsibilities in international political affairs.  In this regard, the Political Division monitors, researches, analyses, reports and provides policy advice on political developments worldwide, as well as in international organizations.  The Political Division is principally responsible for liaising and passing advice and information to Greifenberg delegations to the international organizations and other regional and international meetings, and for preparation and coordination of briefs for such meetings. The Political Division is also responsible for the coordination and management of lobbying efforts for the election of Greifenberg’s candidatures in regional and international organizations, and for advice in respect of the election of candidates from other countries.

In carrying out its functions, the Political Division liaises with ministries and agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector concerned with issues such as social affairs, health, labor, human rights and democracy and the rule of law, as well as with regional and international organizations to ensure that Greifenberg’s position in these areas is articulated and its contribution made towards addressing political issues of an international character. 

Consular Affairs Division

The Consular Affairs Division (CAD) is responsible for the administration of consular services. It is also responsible for the issuance of visas and authentication of documents for use in foreign countries, both are revenue earning services.  In addition, the CAD is responsible for; the issuance of diplomatic passports, and liaising with those Consulates General abroad which render consular services on behalf of the Government of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg. The wide range of services that the CAD performs also includes the management of matters related to Greifenberg citizens abroad, particularly those in distress.  The head of the Division also chairs the Passport Office Investigative Committee.

Legal Division

The Legal Affairs Division (LAD) provides the Minister with legal advice and has responsibilities in the negotiation of international agreements. It is also responsible for matters relating to the signature, ratification and accession of international instruments; international aspects of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg’s policy on terrorism; matters relating to refugees and asylum; and repatriation exercises; The LAD is also responsible for preparing Credentials for Greifenberg delegations to international meetings.

Protocol Division

The Division is responsible for providing Protocol Services with respect to the Government’s business at the Ducal Residence, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries and departments of Government, and the accreditation of foreign and Greifenberg diplomats and consular officers.  The Division is responsible for the organization and management of visits of VIPs to the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg and of visits abroad by HRH the Reigning Grand Duke and the Head of Government, as well as the administration of Greifenberg's obligations under the Vienna Convention.

The Division also provides advice and guidance on ceremonial protocol, is responsible for the Liaison with Foreign Missions and Offices of international and intermicronational organizations accredited to the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg.  The Division is headed by the Chief of Protocol.

Other Offices, Units and Sections:

Immigration and Passport Office

The Immigration Section is responsible for the administration of immigration services in accordance with applicable laws.

The Passport Office is responsible for the processing and issuance of national identity documents – specifically passports – in accordance with the Constitution, the Passport Act and related laws and regulations of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg. It also participates in the work of the Passport Investigative Committee, which reviews passport applications of individuals whose Greifenberg citizenship is in question.  The head of the Passport Officer advises and assists in the briefing of the Minister on Passport issues. 

Inspection Unit

The Inspection Unit evaluates the performance of the Department’s overseas missions and audits Headquarters divisions and offices.

Press Section

The Press Section is responsible for informing the domestic and international media about developments in Greifenberg foreign policy. The Section is headed by the Press Officer.