The Consular Newsletter (November 10-16, 2025)
This week, the Trump administration reassessed visas for overweight people, while a major Somali e-visa breach emerged.
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. Keep informed!
A. Announcements
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B. Video of the week
C. Consular affairs
Multiple continents
Canadian-Israeli denied option to put Israel as place of birth in her new passport. The Jerusalem Post
China rolls out its version of the H-1B visa to attract foreign tech workers. The Associated Press
Despite strong credentials, more Indians report sudden US visa refusals. The American Bazaar
Israeli embassy writes to US senators defending detention of Palestinian American teen. The Guardian
Plane crew, passengers track down couple’s lost passport in viral video. ABC News
Some South Korean workers return to Georgia factory after U.S. reissues visas. The New York Times
Taliban representatives take posts in Afghan consulates in Germany. I24 News
The Swiss honorary consul in New Zealand on broadening his horizons. SWI
Trapped in Iraq: Nepali women desperate for jobs now are desperate for freedom. Global Press Journal
US and UK warn of major e-visa data breach in Somalia. BBC
Americas
iPhone users can now add US passport info to their digital wallets. The Associated Press
Trump’s new visa guidance: travelers with obesity, cancer, or diabetes may now be denied entry to USA. Live and Let’s Fly
US to raise fee for tourist visas to $435 from $185. Border Report
What college leaders should know about the $100K H-1B visa fee. Higher Ed Dive
Africa
Libya expels 80 undocumented Nigerians as migrant detentions rise. Business Insider Africa
Asia, Europe, Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
Algeria’s Consulate General in San Francisco set to begin operations in the coming days. Dzairtube
Azerbaijan protests to Russia after Kyiv embassy damaged in Russian missile attack. Euronews
Belgium plans to open an Embassy in Tashkent. Qalampir
Canada opening new consulate in Greenland this week, in a bid for closer relations. CBC
Firefighters battle fire at Embassy of Laos in Northwest DC. DC News Now
Jack Ma’s wife buys ex-Italian Embassy in London. NTD
Russia’s high court bid over Canberra embassy fails but Australian government to pay costs. The Guardian
Sa’ar heads to Eastern Europe for embassy opening in Estonia. Jewish News Syndicate
Syrian Embassy raises new flag in London to mark reopening after 12 years. Eurasia Review
United States allows the Syrian Embassy in Washington to resume operations. Enab Baladi
E. Passport, visas, and migration fraud
Bosnian man cleared of torture charges sentenced after pleading guilty to passport fraud. Local 3 News
Chinese fraud suspect caught in Bangkok after 7 years on the run. Khaosod English
Issue passport to minors without estranged father’s consent: HC directs RPO. The Times of India
Jailed Moldovan oligarch hid behind a global maze of fake identities. OCCRP
F. Honorary consuls
Belarus MFA to coordinate honorary consuls with KGB. Reformation
G. Current honorary consul jobs
Access jobs: link
H. Perspectives
5 days as a hostage in Israel: an interview with a U.S. Army veteran who joined the Gaza Flotilla (by
)- )
A little closer to being Italian 🤌🍕 (by
)How Spain’s visa process pushed us to the breaking point (by
)How the H-1B visa pause threatens rural maternal health (by
)Is the border officer in a good mood? (by
)Left to die abroad: how the U.S. surrenders its citizens to Israel (by
)San Domingo Fort and the British Consul’s residence: windows into colonial Danshui (by
)The Department of State’s website is now threatening to revoke trans people’s passports (by
)The French Embassy has an in-house movie theater (by
)We let an immigrant live in our home (by
)Why Americans are betting on Portugal (by
)
I. Get daily news
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The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings via LinkedIn.
Passports, visas, and migration fraud via LinkedIn.
Honorary consuls via LinkedIn.
J. Supporting consular research
The Consular Affairs Center warmly thanks its Partners, Members, and Donors for their support.
Incubating partner: Yonsei University.
Support consular research by becoming a Partner, Member, or Donor. If you are a media professional wishing to contribute 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.