High Commission vs Embassy
The distinction between a High Commission and an Embassy becomes clear once you understand the difference between Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth countries. Commonwealth countries are those that were once territories of the British Empire and are now independent states. Both High Commissions and Embassies are diplomatic missions representing their country in another nation. The key difference is that an Embassy is a diplomatic mission of a country sent to a non-Commonwealth country, while a High Commission is a diplomatic mission of a Commonwealth country sent to another Commonwealth country. Additionally, the term Embassy can also refer to the building where diplomats work or live.
Key Takeaways
- An Embassy is a diplomatic mission in a non-Commonwealth country, while a High Commission is a diplomatic mission of one Commonwealth country to another.
- The head of an Embassy is called an Ambassador, whereas the head of a High Commission is called a High Commissioner.
- Embassies and High Commissions have similar functions and responsibilities, though High Commissions are unique to Commonwealth countries and may have additional officers such as a Governor and a Governor-General.
What is an Embassy?
An Embassy is a diplomatic mission in a non-Commonwealth country and can also refer to the building where diplomats work or live. It is the official residence or offices of an ambassador. The person associated with an Embassy is called the Ambassador, who is the head of the mission. An Embassy is the official representation of a particular country in the capital of another country. Within an Embassy, there are consular officers, economic officers, and political officers. An Embassy has a crucial role in strengthening foreign relations between two countries and addresses matters related to visa and travel issues. Though there were differences in the functions of a High Commission and an Embassy in earlier times, these differences have mostly disappeared. However, sometimes an Embassy of a Commonwealth country may serve the diplomatic needs of citizens from another Commonwealth country not represented in that nation.
What is a High Commission?
A High Commission is a diplomatic mission of one Commonwealth country to another. It is essentially the same as an embassy between two Commonwealth countries. For example, the Indian diplomatic mission in Britain (another Commonwealth country) is known as the Indian High Commission, while the Indian diplomatic mission in America (a non-Commonwealth country) is called the Indian Embassy. When it comes to responsibilities, a High Commission is entrusted with the duty of carrying out the diplomatic mission of one Commonwealth country to another. It deals with matters related to the management of diplomatic relations with other countries. The person associated with a High Commission is called a High Commissioner, who is the head of the mission. A High Commissioner holds high-ranking positions, including executive positions approved by the commission of appointment. Unlike an Embassy, some High Commissions have two primary officers called the Governor and the Governor-General.
What is the difference between High Commission and Embassy?
- An Embassy is a diplomatic mission of a country to another country, while a High Commission is an embassy of one Commonwealth country to another Commonwealth country.
- An Embassy is also a building where diplomats work or live.
- The person associated with a High Commission is called a High Commissioner, while the person associated with an Embassy is called the Ambassador.
- A High Commissioner holds high-ranking positions, including executive positions approved by the commission of appointment, whereas an Ambassador heads the embassy.
- Unlike an Embassy, some High Commissions have two primary officers called the Governor and the Governor-General.
