The Consular Newsletter (March 10-16, 2025)
As part of broader shifts, the United States has implemented visa revocations, while Algeria is reported to have suspended consular relations in Southern France as a retaliatory move.
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. Get daily news
G. Thanks
A. Video of the week
B. Consular affairs
Americas
Immigration lawyer warns: avoid these tattoos to prevent being linked to Tren de Aragua amid Trump crackdown. The Latin Times
Key witness in American college student's disappearance has his passport seized. Fox News
My passport gender request was denied. It could have been much worse. The New Republic
Passport applicants may have to affirm that they are 'not required to register' as sex offenders. Reason
What Trump's gold visa could mean for US housing market. Newsweek
Why Americans are increasingly considering a ‘Plan B’ passport in 2025. Nomad Capitalist
Asia
Chinese Embassy issues warning after Chinese tourist critically injured attempting ‘train hanging’ stunt in Sri Lanka. Global Times
Europe
Telegram founder Pavel Durov's passport returned by French authorities Bitcoin.com
Multiple continents
‘Xenophobic’ US visa ban bill puts Chinese students in the geopolitical crosshairs – again. South China Morning Post
Americans protest possible consulate closures across France. The Connexion
At least 300,000 Cubans are in the process of applying for Spanish citizenship under the Law of Grandchildren. CiberCuba
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 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
Trinidad and Tobago calls new UK visa requirement ‘disproportionate move’. The Guardian
Africa, Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
C. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
In Africa
Le Point: French Consulate in Dakhla no longer taboo, Algeria is major loser. Morocco World News
Taiwan protests rep office name change on South African gov't website. Focus Taiwan
In Americas
US senators push to rename Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington. Taiwan News
In Asia
Germany won’t reopen embassy in North Korea while Ukraine war ongoing. NK News
In Europe
Algeria suspends consular relations in Southern France over deportation dispute. Caliber
France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal face U.S. consular closures – what it means for Americans abroad. Travel and Tour World
Icelandic Embassy staff in Moscow faced intimidation before closure. Iceland Review
Thousands rally against China’s ‘mega-embassy’ in London. Radio Free Asia
In Middle East
Yemen: Indian Consulate in Sana'a announces public tender for furniture sale. YemenOnline
In Oceania and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
D. Passport, visas, and migration fraud
Africa
They had been scamming us in this country!' – Shatta Wale praises Mahama for passport cost reduction. GhanaWeb
Americas
Indian Embassy issues warning: fake calls threatening deportation. Regtech Times
Las Vegas man indicted for trafficking, stealing passports, immigration documents. FOX 5 Vegas
Trial to begin for Haiti town's ex-mayor on charges he lied about rights abuses to get US residency. Killeen Daily Herald
Asia
Bengal passport scam: Police chargesheet names 130 accused, including 120 Bangladesh nationals. The Indian Express
Mumbai immigration fraud: Vietnam Airlines staffer arrested in fake visa racket, aided 80 to fly illegally. The Free Press Journal
Sale of passports in China probed. Taipei Times
Multiple continents
Lawyer extradited from Kyrgyzstan to California to face visa fraud charges. The Diplomat
Vietnamese man pleads guilty to using dead Mass. teen’s ID to get passport. Masslive
Europe, Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
E. Honorary consuls
The Consular Affairs Center provides tailored reports for worldwide honorary consuls. Contact the Center to learn more.
F. Get daily news
Consular affairs via Bluesky, Facebook, KakaoTalk, Line, LinkedIn, Telegram, Threads, Viber, VK, WhatsApp, and X
The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings via LinkedIn
Passports, visas, and migration fraud via LinkedIn
G. Thanks
Incubating partner: Yonsei University.
We are grateful to the news sources that contributed to bringing you this week's highlights.