Australians Abroad: A Look at Consular Cases and Crisis Support
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Australians seeking consular assistance overseas has seen a significant increase, highlighting the challenges faced by citizens when traveling abroad.
This week, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) released its 2023-24 Consular State of Play report, revealing a 7 per cent rise in consular assistance cases compared to the previous year. This report provides valuable insights into the various issues Australians encounter while traveling internationally.
The Top Spots for Consular Cases
Thailand emerged as the country where Australians required the most consular assistance, with 827 reported cases. Following Thailand were Indonesia with 546 cases and the Philippines with 528 cases. The United States also featured prominently with 483 cases of Australians seeking help.
- 378 Australians sought non-crisis consular support from the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
- Vietnam saw 366 cases of Australians requiring consular assistance.
- China and Japan had 309 and 299 cases, respectively.
- India and Italy rounded out the top 10 with 254 and 240 cases, respectively.
How Australians are Getting into Trouble Overseas
Welfare and other serious matters, such as mental health issues, domestic violence, and homelessness, were the most common reasons for Australians seeking consular assistance. Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia were the top countries for welfare requests.
DFAT provided support in 1,919 cases of Australians facing illness or hospitalization abroad, a 21 per cent increase from the previous year. Most of these cases occurred in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Reports of Australians becoming ill or hospitalized overseas increased by 21 per cent to 1,345 cases. The majority of these incidents were recorded in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Whereabouts enquiries, referring to Australians reported missing overseas, rose by 24 per cent to 328 cases. The United States, Thailand, and India were the most common countries for such enquiries.
DFAT managed 865 cases of Australians arrested overseas, marking a 17 per cent increase from the previous year. China, the US, and Singapore were the top countries where arrests occurred.
Theft and Missing Passports on the Rise
The number of Australians reporting lost or stolen passports and general theft saw a significant increase in 2023-24.
- 2,678 passports were reported lost overseas, while 1,942 were reported stolen, marking a 28 per cent increase from the previous year.
- Italy, the US, Great Britain, France, and Greece were the top destinations for missing passports.
- Reports of general theft increased by 26 per cent, with 198 cases reported. Italy, Brazil, and Vietnam were among the top countries for general theft incidents.
Australians in Crisis Overseas
DFAT supported a total of 6,160 cases of Australians caught up in crises overseas, including situations in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, New Caledonia, Ukraine, Russia, and Morocco.
The Middle East featured prominently in crisis support cases, with ongoing conflicts and political unrest contributing to the challenges faced by Australians in these regions.
DFAT assisted 3,643 Australians, permanent residents, and their families in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as 1,581 individuals in Lebanon.
Conclusion
The increasing number of consular cases and crisis support requests among Australians highlights the importance of being prepared and informed when traveling abroad. As international travel resumes post-pandemic, it is crucial for travelers to be aware of the potential risks and challenges they may face in foreign countries.
FAQs
What was the top country for consular cases among Australians?
Thailand emerged as the top country where Australians required consular assistance, with 827 reported cases.
What were the main reasons for Australians seeking consular assistance overseas?
The most common reasons for seeking consular assistance were welfare and other serious matters, including mental health issues, domestic violence, and homelessness.