External Office (Caphiria)

The External Office of the Imperium, commonly referred to as the External Office or EXTRA, is the foreign affairs ministry of Caphiria. It operates under the Ministry of Diplomacy and plays a crucial role in advising the Imperator on international relations, managing diplomatic missions, negotiating treaties, and coordinating Caphiria's participation in supranational organizations, such as the League of Nations and UNESARP. The External Office is also responsible for immigration matters, diplomatic security, counterterrorism efforts, and the maintenance of foreign embassies.

The External Office traces its origins back to the Third Imperium and is considered one of the most influential and prestigious ministerial offices in Caphiria. Led by the Chancellor of the External Office (cancellarius extrarius), who reports directly to the Chancellor of Diplomacy and the Imperator, the ministry operates through the Imperator's imperium maius, granting it the function of representing and safeguarding Caphiria's interests in its relations with other states and international organizations. It holds the explicit responsibility of implementing and revising treaties and international conventions on behalf of Caphiria.

The External Office consists of four primary departments and several semi-autonomous offices responsible for specific regions, policy areas, and internal administration: the Department of Immigration, which oversees immigration regulation, asylum policies, and the integration of legal immigrants; the Department of Foreign Affairs, which deploys diplomats to foreign governments, manages embassies, and represents Caphiria's interests abroad; the Department of Diplomatic Security, responsible for the safety and assistance of Caphirian citizens living or traveling abroad; and the Office of Counterterrorism, which coordinates counterterrorism policies and enhances cooperation with foreign governments.

In addition to its diplomatic functions, the External Office provides diplomatic training, exercises jurisdiction over immigration matters, issues passports and visas, and fosters commercial ties abroad. Its authority has significantly grown over time through the imperium maius granted by the Imperator, which allows it to represent and safeguard Caphiria's interests in its relations with other states and international organizations. The ministry is responsible for implementing treaties, revising international conventions, and promoting Caphiria's foreign policy.

Duties and responsibilities
The power of the External Office has increased significantly since the Third Imperium. Operating through the Imperator's imperium maius (supreme executive power), the External Office holds the explicit function of representing and guarding the interests of Caphiria concerning its political, economic, social, and cultural relations with the world and its direct relations with other states and international organizations. The ministry represents Caphiria in its implementation and revisions of treaties and international conventions.

The External Office's core activities and purpose include:


 * Protecting and assisting Caphirian and Latin citizens living or traveling abroad.
 * Assisting Caphirian businesses in the international marketplace.
 * Intervening in matters related to the territorial limits of the country and international waters.
 * Coordinating and providing support for international activities of other Caphirian agencies and official visits.
 * Keeping the public informed about Caphirian foreign policy and relations with other countries.
 * Granting licenses and authorizations for the acquisition of lands, waters, and their accessions in the Imperium.
 * Intervening in international commissions, conferences, and exhibitions.
 * Participating in international organizations and institutes of which the Caphirian government is a part.

Caphiria maintains diplomatic relations with about 100 countries and maintains relations with many international organizations, adding up to 150 posts around the world. Throughout the Imperium, almost 5,000 professional, technical, and administrative employees work compiling and analyzing reports from overseas, providing logistical support to posts, communicating with the Caphirian public, formulating and overseeing the budget, issuing passports and travel warnings, and more. In carrying out these responsibilities, the External Office closely coordinates with other departments and ministries, including the Ministries of Defense, Treasury, and Commerce. The office also consults with the National Assembly and Senate about foreign policy initiatives and policies.

Organization
The External Office is led by the Chancellor of the External Office (cancellarius extrarius), who holds a key position within the ministry. The Chancellor reports directly to the Chancellor of Diplomacy (Proprinceps) and the Imperator. The Chancellor of the External Office is responsible for overseeing the overall operations of the ministry, setting strategic objectives, and ensuring the implementation of Caphiria's foreign policy. The current Chancellor of the External Office is Temione Egărenovisi, who assumed office in 2015.

The External Office consists of four primary departments and xx semi-autonomous offices responsible for specific regions, policy areas, and administration of the Ministry itself. Each office is headed by a director-general with at least two deputy directors-general. The offices are:

Department of Immigration
The Department of Immigration is responsible for managing immigration-related matters in Caphiria. This includes the regulation of immigration and asylum policies, prevention of illegal immigration, integration of legal immigrants, and the provision of support services to refugees. The department oversees the issuance of visas, permits, and documents related to immigration and plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and security of Caphiria's immigration system.

Department of Foreign Affairs
The Department of Foreign Affairs is the primary diplomatic arm of the External Office. It deploys Caphirian diplomats to foreign governments and international institutions and maintains a network of embassies and consulates across the globe. The department represents Caphiria's interests abroad, conducts diplomatic negotiations, and facilitates diplomatic engagements and exchanges. It plays a crucial role in advancing Caphiria's foreign policy objectives and fostering diplomatic relations with other countries.

Department of Diplomatic Security
The Department of Diplomatic Security is tasked with ensuring the safety and security of Caphirian citizens living or traveling abroad. It provides assistance, protection, and consular services to Caphirians in foreign countries. The department also coordinates security measures for diplomatic personnel and facilities, including embassies and consulates. It works closely with local authorities and international partners to address security challenges and protect the interests of Caphirian nationals.

Office of Counterterrorism
The Office of Counterterrorism plays a critical role in coordinating Caphiria's efforts to combat terrorism and enhance international counterterrorism cooperation. It formulates and implements counterterrorism policies, strategies, and initiatives. The office collaborates with foreign governments, intelligence agencies, and international organizations to share information, coordinate operations, and prevent terrorist activities. It plays a vital role in safeguarding Caphiria's national security interests and contributing to global counterterrorism efforts.