British Embassy Abroad?

Question

Has anyone any had problems with British Embassy/Consul or FCO when family or friends have been imprisoned - rightly or worngly?

Answer 1

No....

(edit) This is a serious answer... I've never had any had problems with the British Embassy/Consul. I'm glad to say I've never been in that situation. I don't know what problems you've had, but I hope you get them sorted out.

Answer 2

Speaking from experience, I can tell you that many times citizens are frustrated and terribly disappointed by the assistance received by embassy officials, largely because of unrealistic expectations and an inexact understanding of host country laws.  The reality is that people travelling in a foreign country are bound by the laws of that country, and there is only so much that can be done by the embassy staff.

Note:  That said, even though the mechanisms are in place to provide an established level of assistance, certainly some civil servants do not discharge their duties as thoroughly and professionally as they should,

Answer 3

Like Curious1USA said there can be an unrealistic expectation on what is expected of the British Embassy and what they can do for it's citizens in another country.

People are bound by the laws of the country (it is a  traveller's job to read up laws and make sure you abide by them, although there can be consulates/embassies that will give a certain amount of advice).

Below is a link to the British embassy in Australia outlining what it can do for its citizens.

Answer 4

According to what I've seen there are 2 kind of british embassies in the world.

- BE for rich countries with cold weather: The staff is nice and when work from 8-17. Always with a smile. When you apply for a visa you can easily get it in less than one week.

-BE in poor countries with tropical weather: the staff treats you like sh*-*-*/. They work from 8 to 13 because they have to go for a swin . And you have to wait for age to have your visa.

Sometimes they give you a visa but they ask you to go back to your country when you arrive at the airport.

Answer 5

I think it all depends with expectations of what embassy staff can and can't do.  

They can't get someone out of prison (it wouldn't exactly look good and would be seen by the host country as intereference in its internal affairs), but can ensure they are treated as fairly as possible and no differerent to indigenous prisoners.    They can also relay messages and attend any trials in court to ensure that these trials are fair (this usually happens in countries where the fairness of the legal system is questionable).    

If you feel you've had problems it may be worth writing to your local MP, asking them to take it up with the Foreign Secretary (currently David Milliband) or you could also attend your local MP's surgery which they should have every so often, usually at their constituency offices or somewhere like a local school or community centre.    You could also write directly to the Foreign Secretary but expect a typical politician's non-answer.   Maybe taking it up with your MP would be best.

If you write to them in London I think it's:

House of Commons

Westminster

London

SW1A 0AA

Good luck.