Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1522634
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 JUNE 2024 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION The conduct of consular diplomacy is a cornerstone in the values of the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade. Consular diplomacy means that consular officers, serve Maltese through network building, advocacy and strategic engagement, and by keeping current on local contexts, best practices and trends in consular affairs. This means that the Ministry is conduct- ing consular diplomacy to better serve Maltese nationals abroad. Consular work encompasses providing practical assistance to Maltese nationals who find themselves in distress whilst abroad including the issuance of pass- ports and visas, performing legalisation services and offering other consular assistance in cases of loss/theft of travel documents, accident/illness or death abroad, arrest or detention amongst other crisis and emergencies abroad. The Directorate for Consular Services and Maltese Living Abroad within the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade launched a new 'Trav- ellers' Guide' which was handed out to visitors of the Public Service Expo at the Ministry's stand. This guide provides information on assistance which may be provided by the Maltese diplomatic missions abroad and the directorate in the cases of unfortunate circumstances such as theft, loss of passport, hospi- talisation, and death abroad, amongst other scenarios. Furthermore, the directorate has launched 'ConsularPlus' - www.consularplus.gov.mt, an online web portal which brings together all consular services offered to the public. On ConsularPlus, one may access the Traveller's Guide as well as up-to-date travel advice for each country which has become especially useful in this era of interest to more non-traditional destinations. Also, on ConsularPlus one may find information on visa advice for Maltese citizens travelling abroad, legalisation of personal and commercial documents and other functions that one may find beneficial in case of an emergency. Indeed, the Government of Malta actively strives to offer unparalleled services and assistance to its citizens, including those who are living abroad or travelling for leisure. As the world is becoming more than ever before clos- er-knit in result of greater and increas- ing cross-border cooperation, economic activity and travel, the role of diplomatic work including consular services have gained greater importance. Consu- lar officers navigate complex legal frameworks, offer guidance on various issues and provide consular protection to citizens facing emergencies. Beyond bureaucratic functions, consular work embodies empathy and problem-solv- ing, which requires a deep commitment to upholding citizens' rights. It is a dynamic field where every interaction has the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals. Furthermore, consular services foster cultural and economic relationships between countries, enhancing interna- tional cooperation and understanding. Consular services over the past years have adapted in response to changing patterns of travel amongst Maltese citizens. These patterns include an increase in the number of destinations travelled, and interest in more exotic and farther destinations when com- pared to traditional patterns. For these reasons, greater awareness is required on consular services and the assistance offered by the Directorate for Consular Services and Maltese Living Abroad, within the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade. The Directorate for Consular Services and Maltese Living Abroad encourages the readers to visit the ConsularPlus website on www.consularplus.gov.mt as it will assist travellers to be well pre- pared before travelling. Intelligent travel combined with awareness translates into more peace of mind and a positive travel experience. ConsularPlus: for up-to-date travel advice