Massive Consular work load abroad. | Gemma Andreu

TW
0

The British Behaviour Abroad report 2014, published recently, highlights that while millions of British nationals still travel abroad every year, there has been a decrease in some of the serious types of consular case in the past year.
The total number of hospitalisation cases handled by Foreign and Commonwealth Office  staff in 2013/14 fell to its lowest level for five years, particularly in popular holiday destinations such as France, Thailand and Spain.
 Cases of rape and sexual assault reported to consular staff have also dropped significantly.
 The total number of rape cases reported was at its lowest level for a decade, with large falls in Spain and Turkey, and reported sexual assaults were down by almost 12 perceny globally.
While total arrests saw a fall compared to 2012/13, drug  arrests remain a problem in some countries, with Australia and Spain seeing a combined increase in recorded cases of more than 80 percent.
The report also shows increases in other areas.
More British people are needing assistance in far-off destinations such as the Philippines, Australia, China and the United Arab Emirates. There was also a 15% rise in cases involving British nationals with mental health needs, an area where FCO staff are seeking to offer more support in line with the FCO’s consular strategy to do more for the most vulnerable.