The Consular Newsletter (August 25-31, 2025)
This week, the U.S. reportedly suspended all visas for Palestinian passport holders, while the Polish consulate in Russia's Kaliningrad exclave shut its doors.
Every Monday, the Consular Newsletter updates consular officials, diplomats, migration lawyers, researchers, and travel industry professionals with the latest major news on consular affairs and diplomatic networks. Keep informed!
Contents: A. Announcements. B. Video of the week. C. Consular affairs. D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings. E. Passports, visas, and migration fraud. F. Perspectives. G. Get daily news. H. Supporting consular research: in appreciation of our partners
A. Announcements
Got an analysis, perspective, or story to share? The Consular Magazine explores migration and travel, particularly where government policy, action, or diplomacy plays a role. Open to all, from students and young professionals to seasoned experts. Interested? The Center warmly welcomes your writings.
If you are a media professional wishing to contribute to The Diplomatic and Consular Networks Database and Rankings, or an organization interested in partnering, feel free to contact the Center.
B. Video of the week
C. Consular affairs
Multiple continents
Dhaka seeks US action after incident on New York consulate. Dhaka Tribune
House Democrats call on Rubio to allow injured children from Gaza into US following visa halt. Fox News
Japan rushes to deny ‘Africa hometown’ special visa scheme. Anadolu Agency
Libya urges Germany to reopen consular section in Tripoli for Schengen visas. The Libya Observer
U.S. suspends visas for Palestinian passport holders, officials say. The New York Times
Americas
Columbus has two consulates. How did they get here? WOSU Public Media
Dyan Cannon denied White House entry after lying about her age on passport documents. Fox News
E-Verify was supposed to make it easy for companies to follow immigration law. Now even the feds say it can’t be trusted. CNN
Foreign travelers soon to pay 'visa integrity fee' to visit the US costing $250. Fox News
Lula denounces US decision to revoke visa from Brazilian justice minister. Al Jazeera
U.S. to change green card: Commerce Secretary Lutnick says H-1B visa system ‘terrible’. The Hindu
Walmart denies H-1B visa scam allegations amid online rumours: report. News18
Asia
Journalist group prompts Hong Kong to uphold press freedoms following media visa denials. Jurist
Mining firm: Chair’s divestment a must if declared ‘overstaying alien’. Inquirer
Africa, Europe, Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
Australia closes embassy in Tehran and expels Iranian regime ambassador. Iran Focus
British Embassy in Cairo closes after Egypt removes security barriers. Daily News Egypt
France reportedly considering opening embassy in West Bank after recognizing Palestinian state. The Times of Israel
Indian Consulate opens new office in downtown Seattle. Northwest Asian Weekly
Polish consulate in Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave shuts its doors on Moscow’s orders. TVP World
Yongsan Asia Holdings Apartment construction halted due to U.S. embassy design demands. Chosun Biz
Do you have any information on recent openings or closures of embassies, high commissions, consular posts, or permanent missions? Feel free to update the database.
E. Passport, visas, and migration fraud
Hire American': Florida Governor Ron DeSantis calls H-1B visa system a scam benefiting Indians. Outlook Money
Kuwait busts three criminal networks in visa fraud and illegal money transfers. Gulf News
Nigerian Embassy in Qatar punishes passport applicant for ‘exposing passport racketeering,’ refuses to renew his document despite N315,000 payment. Sahara Reporters
Texas woman admits using fake passport card to steal thousands from Maine bank account. WMTW 8
F. Perspectives
EU-Georgia Association Agreement and visa liberalization under question (by
).For Uyghurs, a Passport is not just a passport (by
and ).How to travel while hating your passport (by
).Immigration hikes passport fees again, from N100k to 200k (by
).Skip the Embassy, fly to Spain: this visa trick saves you thousands (by
).Time to clarify voter eligibility: mere citizenship is not enough (by @KBS Sidhu).
Trusted abroad, blocked at home: why Americans need a passport for proven medicines (by
).What to do when the visa process gets hairy (by
).Why I love visiting Bogota, Colombia as a passport bro (by
).
The views expressed are those of the authors only and not the Center.
G. Get daily news
Consular affairs via Bluesky, Facebook, KakaoTalk, Line, LinkedIn, Substack, Telegram, Threads, Viber, VK, WhatsApp, and X.
The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings via LinkedIn.
Passports, visas, and migration fraud via LinkedIn.
H. Supporting consular research: in appreciation of our partners
Incubating partner: Yonsei University.
Individual support is also possible via a donation. Your generosity helps a lot. Thank you very much.
Acknowledgment: we are grateful to the news sources that contributed to bringing you this week's highlights. The views expressed are those of the authors only and not the Center.