The Consular Newsletter (March 03-09, 2025)
Amid other developments, the Trump administration considers revoking student visas of activists, while also planning to downsize its consular network, particularly in Europe.
Contents
A. Video of the week
B. Consular affairs
C. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
D. Passports, visas, and migration fraud
E. Honorary consuls
F. Thanks
A. Video of the week
B. Consular affairs
Africa
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
Americas
‘Passports taken by the government’: How new State Department rule blocks trans travelers. USA Today
Canada’s visa rejection rates reach 61% amid intensified immigration fraud clampdown. Nairametrics
Citizenship for sale: Trump’s $5M ‘Gold Card’ visa seems designed to install a rich foreign overclass. Dealbreaker
State Department unveils visa restrictions on foreign officials in immigration crackdown. The Hill
Trump administration removes five immigration judges in Texas, union says. San Antonio Express News
US immigration service wants social media handles of visa applicants. Newsweek
What Trump's gold visa could mean for US housing market. Newsweek
Asia
Phuket beefs up controls on foreigners after surge in crime. Bangkok Post
Securing the lives of Indian expat workers. Hindustan Times
Europe
Consular cases for Irish abroad soar as child abductions remain ‘a challenge.’ Irish Independent
Middle East
Saudi Arabia invites exiled dissidents to return – reconciliation or a trap? Watan
Oceania and Pacific Islands
A tiny island country is selling citizenship for $105,000 to save itself from rising seas. CNN
Multiple geographical areas
‘Trump bump’ brings rise in Irish passport applications from US, with more than 8,500 in past two months alone. Irish Independent
Americans rush to apply for Irish passports after Trump’s re-election. Joe
Fresh trouble for Lalit Modi as Vanuatu issues cancellation of his passport. The New Indian Express
Immigration agents arrest Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University protests. Associated Press
Passport Printing Machines In US, Huge Relief – Nigerians. Leadership
State Department revokes first visa of foreign student linked to 'Hamas-supporting disruptions'. Fox News
State Dept using AI to ban visas over perceived pro-Hamas posts. WATE 6 on your Side
Swiss man in Thailand may lose visa after his dogs allegedly attacked beachgoers. South China Morning Post
The existential threat to international aid and consular assistance. Index on Censorship
UAE buries Shahzadi Khan and another Indian it executed last month. The Times of India
Want to give up Indian passport, I have Vanuatu citizenship: Lalit Modi. The Indian Express
What’s fueling the eleven percent surge in India’s visa applications? Canada, China, and top global destinations at the forefront. Travel and Tour World
C. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
In Africa
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
In Americas
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
In Asia
India reportedly agrees to accept Taliban envoy without diplomatic status. Amu TV
Slovenia opens embassy in the Philippines. The Philippine Star
In Europe
Four US consulates in France identified as facing possible closure under Trump. The Connexion
France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal face U.S. consular closures – what it means for Americans abroad. Travel and Tour World
Indian consulate to be officially opened in Belfast city centre this week. Irish News
Is the U.S. considering closing the Consulate in Ponta Delgada? Here’s what we know. The Herald News
Lammy lobbied Rayner for Chinese super-embassy. The Telegraph
Myanmar Consulate-General inaugurated in Saint Petersburg. Myanmar Ministry of Information
New Indian consulates in Belfast, Manchester to boost trade ties: UK. Press Trust of India
New Zealand fires high commissioner to UK over Trump comments. Politico
US could close consulate in Florence, report claims. The Local
In Middle East
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
In Oceania and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
In multiple geographical areas
State Dept. plans to close diplomatic missions and fire employees overseas. The New York Times
D. Passport, visas, and migration fraud
Africa
Pastor in trouble over alleged GH¢310,000 visa fraud. Ghanaian Times
Pinoy family falls prey to fake consulate staff. Daily Tribune
Americas
Attorney jailed for ‘large-scale’ immigration fraud on Caribbean immigrants. The Gleaner
Former priest and convicted child molester sentenced for passport fraud, stripped of citizenship, and ordered deported. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Asia
Chinese man arrested in Thailand with fake passport amid scam crackdown. ASEAN Now
Travel agent arrested in connection with illegal visa racket at Delhi airport. The Times of India
Trial starts of Bangladeshi couple charged with immigration fraud. RNZ
Europe
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
Middle East
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
Oceania and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
Multiple geographical areas
Gujarati man tries to enter US with stolen Pakistani passport, deported. NDTV
ICE Chicago removes Sierra Leonean convicted of visa fraud. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Immigration lawyer who fled to Kyrgyzstan extradited to Bay Area to face visa fraud charges. CBS News
Need a visa or passport? Don’t fall for a copycat site. The Times
Two arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport with fake Spanish passports. Khaosod English
Whistleblowers say major outsourcing company engaged in “Cover up” to hide visa fraud. FAIR
E. Honorary consuls
The Consular Affairs Center provides tailored reports for worldwide honorary consuls. Contact the Center to learn more.
F. Thanks
Incubating partner: Yonsei University.