The Consular Newsletter (February 23 – March 01, 2026)
This week, many in the Middle East urge their countries to evacuate them, while at least 22 are killed in a failed attempt to enter the U.S. Consulate in Karachi.
Every week, 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. This week, many in the Middle East urge their countries to evacuate them, while at least 22 are killed in a failed attempt to enter the U.S. Consulate in Karachi.
A. Announcements
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B. Video of the week
C. Consular affairs
Multiple continents
7 Chinese tourists killed as vehicle sinks in Lake Baikal; Consulate issues urgent safety alert. China Daily
At least 22 people killed in Pakistan as protesters try to storm US Consulate. The Associated Press
Chinese embassy in Angola warns citizens not to fall foul of immigration crackdown. South China Morning Post
How Americans with European ancestry can get an EU passport. Condé Nast Traveler
Is US aiding Israel in annexing West Bank with latest consular move? TRT World
Over 300 people have fled Iran via Azerbaijan, source close to government says. Reuters
People queue outside Pakistan’s consulate in Barcelona. Reuters
S. Korean Embassy advises Korean nationals to leave Iran amid possible U.S. military strike. Yonhap News Agency
Taliban appoints Pakistani national to Afghan Consulate in Bonn. Afghanistan International
US embassy to offer its first consular services at an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. The Associated Press
Americas
DHS says Columbia student taken into custody is illegal alien whose visa was terminated under Obama admin. Fox News
Petro unveils new high-tech Colombia passport focused on data sovereignty. Colombia One
Tom Hanks’ son Chet trapped in Medellin after using Greek passport for Colombia trip goes wrong. Fox News
US denies visas to Cuban baseball officials ahead of international tournament. Reuters
Europe
British-Danish couple say new UK passport rules may separate them from children. The Guardian
These airlines will allow UK dual nationals to travel on expired passports. The Independent
UK government quietly updates passport rules for dual citizens — again. ABC
Africa, Asia, Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
Brazil takes over Mexico’s Embassy as Peru severs diplomatic ties. OWP
New chancery to be built for NZ High Commission in PNG. RNZ
UAE moves to close its embassy in Iran — foreign ministry. TASS
US partially evacuates Beirut embassy amid rising Iran tensions. BBC
E. Passport, visas, and migration fraud
261 passports seized in Soroti passport trafficking bust. The Daily Monitor
BI agents arrest Chinese national for passport fraud. Manila Standard
Former licensed immigration adviser sentenced after deceiving migrants. New Zealand Immigration
IGI Airport police arrest 130 in visa, passport scam, seize assets. Awaz The Voice
USCIS helps in immigration fraud investigation resulting in indictments and arrests in New York City. US Citizenship and Immigration Services
F. Honorary consuls
Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter.
G. Consular jobs and internships
A non-exhaustive selection
Australia in Berlin, Germany / Consular and Passports Officer (deadline: March 06)
France in Erbil, Iraq / Consul Général (deadline: March 17)
United Kingdom in Hanoi, Vietnam / Vice Consul (deadline: March 09)
Access jobs and internships (link)
Access honorary consul jobs (link)
H. Migration laws, regulations, and policies
A non-exhaustive selection
[New Zealand] Upcoming changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders. MBIE / Immigration
[United Kingdom] Updates on the move to eVisas. Home Office / UKVI
[Malaysia] Dasar baharu Penggajian Ekspatriat. MOHA / Immigration Department
I. Perspectives
Let’s help you move abroad via a work visa (by Clara immigration)
Outside the abandoned Iranian embassy in DC, an uncertain future for Iran (by Sasha Ingber)
Shanghai Express: Get booking if you want to take advantage of this year’s visa-free travel to China! (by The Travel Secrets Club)
So many Mexican Consulates & more (by Freedom & Liberty for all)
The Trump administration denied her a visa waiver for fighting disinformation (by Prospect Magazine)
Titles matter: the Integrity of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council is not optional (by Dr Leo Gilling)
J. Get daily news
Bluesky, Facebook, KakaoTalk, Line, LinkedIn, Mastodon, Substack, Telegram, Threads, Viber, VK, WhatsApp, and X for consular affairs.
LinkedIn for the diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings.
LinkedIn for passports, visas, and migration fraud.
LinkedIn for honorary consuls.
LinkedIn for consular jobs and internships (a non-exhaustive selection).
LinkedIn for migration, laws, regulations, and policies (a non-exhaustive selection).
K. Supporting consular research
The Center warmly thanks its Partners, Members, and Donors for their support.
Incubating partner: Yonsei University Country research partner: (AL) Albanian Institute for International Studies
Support consular research by becoming a Partner, Member, or Donor. Media professionals interested in contributing to The Diplomatic and Consular Networks Database and Rankings, please feel free to contact the Center.
The views expressed are solely those of the author(s), not of the Center.