Consulates brace for impact

Additional staff have been seconded to London’s consulates for the duration of the Olympic Games in anticipation of a spike in demand for consular assistance.

“We expect this to be the run-of-the-mill requests such as lost and stolen passports, ” said one consul. “But we have to prepare for anything more serious as well.”

Consuls have been working closely with the International Liaison Unit of the Metropolitan Police and other UK authorities such as the UKBA and the NHS to prepare and rehearse detailed contingency plans in the event of a major consular emergency during the Games.

The ILU has worked closely
with consulates to provide travel advice to nationals visiting the UK, using a variety of social media channels including websites, facebook and twitter.

Some missions will also set up a consular post at their Olympic Houses where many fans are expected to gather.