What term refers to small sums of money or gifts paid to foreign officials to expedite their work?

The correct term for small sums of money or gifts given to foreign officials to expedite their work is referred to as facilitation payments. These payments are intended to encourage officials to perform functions that they are already obligated to perform, such as processing permits or providing services. Facilitation payments are often seen as a gray area in international business, as they can sometimes be considered acceptable under certain conditions in various legal frameworks, though there are also strict regulations against them in many countries.

Bribery typically involves payments made to an official to receive a benefit that goes beyond what is legally entitled, thus crossing an ethical and legal line. Lubrication refers more to informal payments made to ease a transaction rather than expedite necessary duties. Commission usually pertains to payment made to a salesperson or agent as a percentage of sales and does not involve the direct interaction with officials as described in the question. Therefore, facilitation payments capture the essence of sending small amounts to aid in hastening workflows without crossing into more illicit motives.