Nick Latta Former Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General, British Embassy Tripoli Last Christmas Eve, my mother came to visit us in Tripoli, via Tunisia, bearing the strange story of a man there who had set himself alight in protest at police intimidation and his own poverty. Little did we imagine how that sad event would lead to the momentous changes across North Africa. Or to the resulting chaos … Read more »Family, friends and photo albums!
Supporting Brits Abroad: The Death Penalty
Jonathan Marshall, Head of the FCO Prisoners Team The last person executed in Britain was in 1964. It doesn’t seem that long ago does it? Whilst we no longer have capital punishment in the UK, what many people don’t realise is that there are a significant number of British nationals overseas who are facing the death penalty. I work in Consular Directorate in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, leading our … Read more »Supporting Brits Abroad: The Death Penalty
Child Abduction in Mexico
Karen Harris, Consular Officer, Mexico. There are always two sides to the story when it comes down to the breakdown of a relationship, and achieving an amicable separation can be even harder when children are involved. Custody disputes can cause much anxiety for parents and inevitably emotions run high leading some parents to take the law into their own hands by taking their children without the permission of the other … Read more »Child Abduction in Mexico
Child abductions in Cyprus
James McCamley, Consular Caseworker, Nicosia, Cyprus I’m sure if you ask most people what Cyprus means to them they’ll start talking enthusiastically about great beaches and fun holidays. That was certainly my main image of the island before I came to work here in the High Commission’s Consular Section – which is responsible for helping British nationals who get into trouble overseas. Of course the beaches are great and there’s … Read more »Child abductions in Cyprus
The new boy
Stephen Brown, Caseworker in the FCO’s Child Abduction Section I already had some experience of assisting British nationals before I took up the job of child abduction caseworker at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) two and a half months ago. When I applied for the vacancy I was the Vice Consul at a British Consulate-General overseas and had been for the previous three years. It was time to go … Read more »The new boy
All walks of life
Rosie Dyas, Head of the FCO’s Child Abduction Section Today is the launch of the FCO’s parental child abduction awareness campaign. In my role as Head of the FCO’s Child Abduction Section, I speak to parents on a daily basis whose children have been taken overseas without their permission. Last year we helped nearly 250 British nationals affected by parental child abduction. The point that really sticks with me after … Read more »All walks of life
Injured by a Zebra? Here’s what to do…
Jo Olivier, British Consul, British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa writes Over 200,000 British expats live in South Africa and half a million Brits each year are drawn by the game reserves, spectacular scenery, beaches, mountains and vineyards – all under one (usually) blue sky. If you’re taking advantage of the fact that you have friends or family here, the most important thing you should take with you is travel … Read more »Injured by a Zebra? Here’s what to do…
Holidays that end before they begin
Caroline Wilson, Vice Consul, British Embassy Dubai writes: With 100,000 British residents in the UAE, many of the 1 million tourists per year are visiting family and friends. They take the opportunity to hang out in the sun, enjoy the vast shopping malls, the unique skyline and the huge selection of restaurants and bars. I know how much visitors get out and about, having on many an occasion … Read more »Holidays that end before they begin
Diving and driving
Dave Covey, British Honorary Consul, Koh Samui, Thailand writes: Thailand is renowned for its party atmosphere, its great beaches and fresh seafood. As a former diving co-ordinator on Koh Samui I am well versed with the latter, and can see why so many people want to take advantage of seeing friends and family here. When I first arrived in Koh Samui, I had a wake-up call with one of our … Read more »Diving and driving
Should have, would have, could have, but…
Dean Churm British Consul for Florida, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands writes: You don’t have to venture far in Florida to hear a British accent. With over 400,000 British expatriates living in the “Sunshine State” (as it’s affectionately known here) then it’s a fair bet that some of you will be spending time with family and friends living in Florida over the summer holidays. Whether it’s the glitz … Read more »Should have, would have, could have, but…