Nationality of Diplomatic Staff

Subject(s):

Diplomatic immunity — Diplomatic missions — Diplomatic relations

This chapter analyses Article 8 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which discusses the nationality of the diplomatic staff. The Article states the general principle that members of the diplomatic staff should be of the nationality of the sending State, and that the members may be appointed among persons having the same nationality of the receiving State as long as there is consent of that State. This consent may be withdrawn at any time. In addition, the Article expresses that the receiving State may reserve the same right with regard to nationals of a third State who are not also nationals of the sending State. The requirement for consent of the receiving State under the Article applies only to appointment of diplomatic staff and does not extend to the administrative and technical staff.