Embassies Employee's

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

Hello, does anyone know exactly the type of employment of the United States citizens that work at the US Embassies around the world have?  

 

And if "Phases" are connected to how many are staff currently at the Embassy, like the Passport Operations in Response to COVID-19 FAQ talked about then in "Phase 2 - most staff will return" and "Phase 3 - All remaining staff will return" .

 

Because the Swedish Government extended their entry ban once again. It was set to expire on July 4th but they decided to extend it to August 31th.  And one member in the forum had a theory about why some consulates are opening for "mission-critical" visas and some aren't has to do with the travel restrictions and the American employees of the Embassy being able to return to work and return to routine visas services full staff. 

 

The good news is that with the new travel restrictions for the first time they included more exemptions besides just Swedish citizens and permanent residents that are traveling just for the purpose of returning home. 

 

Here's the list of exceptions; I do not know what type of employment visa or anything that US employees have to live and work at the embassy but I'm hoping it's one of these exempted if anyone can find out for me I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Who is exempt from the entry ban?

As of 4 July, the entry ban does not apply to people who:

1. are an EEA citizen or a citizen of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland or the Vatican City;
2. have long-term resident status in Sweden or another EU Member State;
3. have a permanent residence permit in Sweden or another EEA state, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland or the Vatican City;
4. have a national visa for Sweden or a national visa valid longer than three months in another EEA State, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland or the Vatican City;
5. have family ties as specified in Chapter 3a, Section 2, first paragraph, or Chapter 5, Section 3, first paragraph, points 1–4, or Section 3a of the Aliens Act (2005:716) to a person covered by any of points 1–4 or to a Swedish citizen, or
6. lives in one of the following countries:

• Algeria
• Australia
• Georgia
• Japan
• Canada
• Morocco
• Montenegro
• New Zealand
• Rwanda
• Serbia
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Tunisia
• Uruguay

In addition, the entry ban does not apply to people with an essential need or function in Sweden. For example, this may be the case for:

• healthcare workers, researchers in health and medical care and elderly staff;
• frontier workers;
• seasonal workers in the agricultural, forestry and horticulture sectors;
• personnel transporting goods and other staff in the transport sector;
• people covered by Chapter 2, Section 10 of the Aliens Act (2005:716);
• people who work in international organisations or are invited by such organisations and whose presence is necessary for the organisations’ activities, military personnel, aid workers and civil defence staff;
• passengers in transit;
• people with imperative family reasons;
• seafarers;
• people in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons;
• people who travel for the purpose of studying; and
• highly skilled workers, if the job the alien is to perform cannot be postponed or performed remotely.

The above list of people who can be considered to have an essential need or function is for illustration only and there may therefore be other categories of people who may be exempted.

It is the responsibility of the enforcing authorities (primarily the Swedish Police Authority) to determine in each individual case how the exemptions are to be interpreted and which decisions are to be made. The purpose of the measure is to mitigate the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is a temporary measure.

 

What applies for people residing abroad who will perform work in Sweden – will they be allowed to enter?

Travel from another EU country, the UK, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland is not covered by the entry ban. Further exemptions from the entry ban are people with residence permits, people living in certain particularly specified countries (see above) and people with an essential function in Sweden, such as seasonal workers and highly skilled workers. How exemptions are to be interpreted and what assessments are to be made in an individual case is primarily a matter for the Swedish Police Authority. Swedish citizens living abroad are not affected by the entry ban.

 

Does anyone know if the US Embassy employees are exempted?

 

I figured if it applies to Sweden, it might apply to other European countries as well. Because it says on the press release: The temporary entry ban came into force on 19 March and initially applied for 30 days. It was subsequently extended following European Commission recommendations. The Government has now decided to further extend the entry ban until 31 August 2020.So if the Embassies can get their employees back with the exemptions to the entry ban they can get to doing routine visa processing again. 

Edited July 2, 2020 by OrihimeandIchigo

[JeanneAdil 6,514]

Interesting question as CO in embassies do not enjoy the diplomatic immunity privilege so any guesses on this one?

information on immunity is on following site under Consular officers page 10-11:

 

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2018-DipConImm_v5_Web.pdf

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

It looks like Germany has done the same restrictions and exemptions now https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-lifts-entry-ban-for-travellers-from-11-third-countries-leaves-out-algeria-morocco-rwanda-serbia/

Edited July 2, 2020 by OrihimeandIchigo

[CMT 46]

I think it depends on their jobs (?), employees with important roles have diplomat passports so I'm guessing "diplomatic visa"? I'm positive that rules differ by country though. Then a lot of the staff are diplomats spouses, which probably have a "dependent visa". The embassy also employs locals.

 

 

Edited July 3, 2020 by CMT

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

From what I understand doing research last night that Consular Officers are also titled Foreign Service Officers. And majority of Foreign Service Officers are US Citizens. It is not impossible or unheard of for them to hire some foreigners from the host country to be Consular Officers but from what I found it is not very often. And most are hired for 2 to 3 years at one consulate and at most 5 years and while some can bring family with them overseas, a lot live together with their co workers in community housing provided by the US government or live in apartments paid by the US government. So I'm still confused if they are using some type of work permit or temporary work permit from their host country or any type of permanent residency but I very much doubt its permanent residency from the way they only stay 2 to 5 years and supposedly live on US paid housing. 

 

So I'm still very confused if they are exempted or not from the entry ban. 

Edited July 3, 2020 by OrihimeandIchigo

[Lemonslice 4,859]

Diplomats have diplomatic visas.  Specifics of these depends on the issuing country, and, regularly, from the visiting country also.  Some reciprocity is possible, so country A working in country B might be able to bring their kids over 18, while country C diplomats would only be able to bring children under 18 (just an example, could be that spouses are allowed/not allowed to work outside the diplomatic mission, etc.)

 

 

I'm guessing most countries are allowing diplomats to enter, however if there's a ban, inability to travel within the country, and there's enough personnel to take care of US citizens, there's no reason to hurry.

The US government has a duty of care to their employees and usually tries to keep them safe abroad (i.e. "sound-micro-waves" situation in Cuba).

 

[Lemonslice 4,859]

14 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

Interesting question as CO in embassies do not enjoy the diplomatic immunity privilege so any guesses on this one?

information on immunity is on following site under Consular officers page 10-11:

 

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2018-DipConImm_v5_Web.pdf

This is about immunity granted to diplomats in the US.  Diplomats working at an embassy (in New York or Washington) will have a higher level of immunity than diplomats working in Consulate/Consulate general. 

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

1 hour ago, Lemonslice said:

Diplomats have diplomatic visas.  Specifics of these depends on the issuing country, and, regularly, from the visiting country also.  Some reciprocity is possible, so country A working in country B might be able to bring their kids over 18, while country C diplomats would only be able to bring children under 18 (just an example, could be that spouses are allowed/not allowed to work outside the diplomatic mission, etc.)

 

 

I'm guessing most countries are allowing diplomats to enter, however if there's a ban, inability to travel within the country, and there's enough personnel to take care of US citizens, there's no reason to hurry.

The US government has a duty of care to their employees and usually tries to keep them safe abroad (i.e. "sound-micro-waves" situation in Cuba).

 

Yes but diplomats are to my understanding, only one diplomat is stationed at one US Embassy post they do not do the processing of passports, visas or US citizen services. The main functions of diplomats are: representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending State; initiation and facilitation of strategic agreements; treaties and conventions; promotion of information; trade and commerce; technology; and friendly relations.

 

So far yes Consular Officers to understanding have government housing or housing allowance and they are only hired at the consulate for 60 months.

https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/consular-fellows/what-we-do/

 

If a Foreign Service employee is going overseas, will the employee have to pay all the living expenses? What is covered and what is not?

As a Foreign Service Officer or Specialist, you are a federal employee, and you will pay applicable US federal and state taxes. The Department will pay to ship your personal belongings and pay for travel for you and authorized family members to post. You will receive government leased housing or a housing allowance if you are at a post with no USG owned or leased housing. Tuition for your children to attend international schools at post (or at boarding school, if appropriate local schools are not available) is covered. All other living expenses are your responsibility.

https://careers.state.gov/faq-items/foreign-service-salary-matching-pay-tables-danger-pay-overseas-moving-expenses-taxes/

 

This website has listed different job positions at Embassies:

 https://www.whatdiplomatsdo.com/post/12-ways-to-work-at-the-us-embassy#:~:text=Foreign Service Specialists%2C like diplomats,facility management%2C information technology%2C law

• FOREIGN SERVICE GENERALIST (FSO)

• FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALIST (FSS)
• CONSULAR FELLOW (CF)
• USAID (FSO)

• PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOW (PMF

• CIVIL SERVICE
• INTERN
• FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE (FCS)

• LOCALLY EMPLOYED STAFF (LES)

• MILITARY

So its so confusing, if they have free housing that US government owns and medical then they wouldn't technically need a residency but how do they like enroll their children in international school? Or sign up for a phone plan? How do they enter that country is it just with their USA passport and they just pretend they are living in USA but in a host country? I'm trying to figure out what visa they must be using. I'm hoping someone more knowledgeable in this type of thing can comment. 

Edited July 3, 2020 by OrihimeandIchigo

[Lemonslice 4,859]

25 minutes ago, OrihimeandIchigo said:

Yes but diplomats are to my understanding, only one diplomat is stationed at one US Embassy post they do not do the processing of passports, visas or US citizen services. The main functions of diplomats are: representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending State; initiation and facilitation of strategic agreements; treaties and conventions; promotion of information; trade and commerce; technology; and friendly relations.

 

So far yes Consular Officers to understanding have government housing or housing allowance and they are only hired at the consulate for 60 months.

https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/consular-fellows/what-we-do/

 

If a Foreign Service employee is going overseas, will the employee have to pay all the living expenses? What is covered and what is not?

As a Foreign Service Officer or Specialist, you are a federal employee, and you will pay applicable US federal and state taxes. The Department will pay to ship your personal belongings and pay for travel for you and authorized family members to post. You will receive government leased housing or a housing allowance if you are at a post with no USG owned or leased housing. Tuition for your children to attend international schools at post (or at boarding school, if appropriate local schools are not available) is covered. All other living expenses are your responsibility.

https://careers.state.gov/faq-items/foreign-service-salary-matching-pay-tables-danger-pay-overseas-moving-expenses-taxes/

 

This website has listed different job positions at Embassies:

 https://www.whatdiplomatsdo.com/post/12-ways-to-work-at-the-us-embassy#:~:text=Foreign Service Specialists%2C like diplomats,facility management%2C information technology%2C law

• FOREIGN SERVICE GENERALIST (FSO)

• FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALIST (FSS)
• CONSULAR FELLOW (CF)
• USAID (FSO)

• PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOW (PMF

• CIVIL SERVICE
• INTERN
• FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE (FCS)

• LOCALLY EMPLOYED STAFF (LES)

• MILITARY

So its so confusing, if they have free housing that US government owns and medical then they wouldn't technically need a residency but how do they like enroll their children in international school? Or sign up for a phone plan? How do they enter that country is it just with their USA passport and they just pretend they are living in USA but in a host country? I'm trying to figure out what visa they must be using. I'm hoping someone more knowledgeable in this type of thing can comment. 

Editor ate my entry... What are you trying to know exactly?

 

Most diplomatic missions have many diplomats, one head of mission.  Dependents get dependent visas, allowing them to enroll in school, sometime work outside the mission. Children go to school, private, or public if the quality is equivalent to home.   Nothing magic or mysterious.  They get cable TV, internet, and phone plans like other foreigners living there.  They get drivers licence, insurance, etc.

 

They enter the host country on a diplomatic passport.  IT guy coming for a few weeks to install new system will enter on dip passport to work at the mission. 

 

I'm sure others have worked in diplomatic missions, but you make it much more complicated than what it is.  Countries have reciprocal agreements and employees are briefed on what to expect.

 

In general, all the employees you listed but the LES, will travel on dip passports, with some diplomatic visa.

Edited July 3, 2020 by Lemonslice

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

8 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

Editor ate my entry... What are you trying to know exactly?

 

Most diplomatic missions have many diplomats, one head of mission.  Dependents get dependent visas, allowing them to enroll in school, sometime work outside the mission. Children go to school, private, or public if the quality is equivalent to home.   Nothing magic or mysterious.  They get cable TV, internet, and phone plans like other foreigners living there.  They get drivers licence, insurance, etc.

 

They enter the host country on a diplomatic passport.  IT guy coming for a few weeks to install new system will enter on dip passport to work at the mission. 

 

I'm sure others have worked in diplomatic missions, but you make it much more complicated than what it is.  Countries have reciprocal agreements and employees are briefed on what to expect.

 

In general, all the employees you listed but the LES, will travel on dip passports, with some diplomatic visa.

Thanks so much for the reply  That's what I was wondering if the employees and consular officers of the embassy have diplomatic passports or something special that they would be allowed to enter even with the entry ban barring US citizens in European countries. 

[Lemonslice 4,859]

Just now, OrihimeandIchigo said:

Thanks so much for the reply  That's what I was wondering if the employees and consular officers of the embassy have diplomatic passports or something special that they would be allowed to enter even with the entry ban barring US citizens in European countries. 

Perfect. Can be a great career if you are interested 😉

[JeanneAdil 6,514]

5 hours ago, Lemonslice said:

This is about immunity granted to diplomats in the US.  Diplomats working at an embassy (in New York or Washington) will have a higher level of immunity than diplomats working in Consulate/Consulate general. 

Sorry i had to run to PT and did not elborate

USC already in a foreign country do not have to leave/ the EU order is about not letting new ones in 

but what i wanted to say was "if a CO has been layed off and could not afford to stay in a country and returned home to USA,  they would not be under diplomatic immunity and able to return to the original embassy"    they would be also banned under the new rules 

so these countries would now rely on staff that stayed /and the higher ups don't do the interviews / that is beneath them

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

1 hour ago, JeanneAdil said:

Sorry i had to run to PT and did not elborate

USC already in a foreign country do not have to leave/ the EU order is about not letting new ones in 

but what i wanted to say was "if a CO has been layed off and could not afford to stay in a country and returned home to USA,  they would not be under diplomatic immunity and able to return to the original embassy"    they would be also banned under the new rules 

so these countries would now rely on staff that stayed /and the higher ups don't do the interviews / that is beneath them

Thank you for your reply now and earlier I appreciate it. So if its like what other members think and the US government made the US employees of the Embassy return home during this pandemic. Under the new restrictions still they will not be allowed to enter. So until entry bans exclude Americans we might not see them full staff for awhile which means no routine visa processing. This is nerve wracking because it just looks like every country just keeps extending entry bans over and over. 

Edited July 3, 2020 by OrihimeandIchigo

[CMT 46]

5 hours ago, OrihimeandIchigo said:

 

This website has listed different job positions at Embassies:

 https://www.whatdiplomatsdo.com/post/12-ways-to-work-at-the-us-embassy#:~:text=Foreign Service Specialists%2C like diplomats,facility management%2C information technology%2C law

• FOREIGN SERVICE GENERALIST (FSO)

• FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALIST (FSS)
• CONSULAR FELLOW (CF)
• USAID (FSO)

• PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOW (PMF

• CIVIL SERVICE
• INTERN
• FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE (FCS)

• LOCALLY EMPLOYED STAFF (LES)

• MILITARY

So its so confusing, if they have free housing that US government owns and medical then they wouldn't technically need a residency but how do they like enroll their children in international school? Or sign up for a phone plan? How do they enter that country is it just with their USA passport and they just pretend they are living in USA but in a host country? I'm trying to figure out what visa they must be using. I'm hoping someone more knowledgeable in this type of thing can comment. 

as mentioned before it depends on the country as well. 

for instance, my fiancé worked at an embassy in Japan. Americans don't generally need a visa to enter Japan. But then they get an ID card to show their "residence status'. Then life is the same as any other person. I'm not sure what kind of ID they usually have since my fiancé is in the military so his visa / process might have been a bit different.

[SalishSea 17,839]

On 7/3/2020 at 12:57 AM, OrihimeandIchigo said:

Yes but diplomats are to my understanding, only one diplomat is stationed at one US Embassy post they do not do the processing of passports, visas or US citizen services.

I think you're confusing 'diplomat' with 'ambassador.'   Diplomat is a generic term, not an appointment.