The Consular Newsletter (March 17-23, 2025)
Among this week's controversies, South Africa clashes with Taiwan over its diplomatic mission, while Prince Harry's visa situation sparks debate.
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. 5 Substacks
F. Honorary consuls
G. Get daily news
H. Thanks
A. Video of the week
B. Consular affairs
Americas
Judge orders that Georgetown researcher detained by ICE remain in the U.S. The Washington Post
Transgender person "disappointed" after gender was unchanged on new passport. 10News
Trump is seeking to deport another academic who is legally in the country, lawsuit says. Politico
Trump officials defend use of wartime law to deport migrants. Honolulu-Star Advertiser
Asia
Consular workers visit 49 citizens of Kyrgyzstan imprisoned abroad. AKIpress News Agency
Deepseek gets "National Treasure in China" status: travel ban, passport taken away and more that it means for Deepseeks top engineers. The Times of India
Indian consulate official recalled amid claims of discrimination, Chinese spy accusations. Mail & Guardian
Taiwan revokes visa of pro-Beijing Chinese influencer. BBC
The truth behind the viral “Get Pakistani citizenship for $18,000”. ProPakistani
Middle East
Turkish authorities detain 12 suspects in attack on Iraqi Consulate in Istanbul. Kurdistan24
Multiple continents
"Dystopian nightmare": Indian who self-deported from US after visa revocation. NDTV
Algeria rejects France’s expulsion approach, demands respect for consular protocols. AL24 News
Johannesburg votes to name U.S. consulate street after terrorist as councilor chants ‘we want Hitler’. Jewish Insider
Prince Harry 'quaking in his boots' as visa files set to be made public: 'He could be collateral for Trump!' GB News
Prince Harry's real visa headache. Newsweek
SA Presidency urges restraint over US consulate street renaming. BizNews
Africa, Europe, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
C. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
In Africa
Germany shuts South Sudan embassy amid civil war fears. Deutsche Welle
In Americas
A year under siege: meet the Venezuelan opposition members trapped in a Caracas embassy. Al Jazeera
Expelled South African ambassador returns home, says will wear US sanction as ‘badge of dignity’. My Twin Tiers
France to open embassy in Guyana in September. Caribbean National Weekly
In Asia
The Consulate General of Ukraine opened in Mumbai. UNN
US Embassy to open in Taliban soon, claim government sources. News18
In Europe
Rwanda closes embassy in Belgium after cutting diplomatic ties. The Star
In Middle East
Germany reopens embassy in Syria in cautious thaw with Islamist leaders. Reuters
Paris finalises Damascus embassy dream team. Intelligence Online
In multiple continents
Closures and budget cuts planned for U.S. consulates and embassies abroad. Ogletree Deakins
In Oceania and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
D. Passport, visas, and migration fraud
Africa
15 cases of fraud busted - as Foreign Minister outlines challenges and gains. The New Dawn Liberia
Americas
Queens man charged with visa fraud after posing as federal agent for nearly a decade. Shore News Network
Asia
Applications for forgery-proof passports start in Japan. The Japan Times
Bangladeshi couple found guilty after 20-year immigration and identity fraud. The New Zealand Herald
Middle East
The surge in special Turkish passports for visa-free travel fuels security and abuse concerns. Nordic Monitor
Multiple continents
Police case against passport agents after US Embassy flags visa fraud. NDTV
Europe, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
E. 5 Substacks
This selection highlights a number of posts published this week to help readers discover diverse perspectives; the views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the position of the Consular Affairs Center.
Algerian Spy Operations in France: Espionage, Recruitment, and Diplomatic Fallout (
by ).EU Travel Advisory Warning for USA (
by )Germany, InterPride Issue LGBTQ Travel Advisories About United States (
by ).Passport Portfolios: The Wealth Strategy for UHNW Families (
by ).USA tightens course against China: thousands of students affected (
by ).
F. Honorary consuls
The Consular Affairs Center provides tailored reports for worldwide honorary consuls. Contact the Center to learn more.
G. 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
H. Thanks
Incubating partner: Yonsei University.
We are grateful to the news sources that contributed to bringing you this week's highlights.