The advent of new technologies has revolutionized the delivery of services. As digital technology continues to expand, it is having a considerable impact on how consular services are delivered, such as improving the quality and efficiency to reducing consular wait times.
With the use of digital technologies, consulates can now achieve diplomatic objectives. These technologies include social media, internet-based applications, video conferencing, and mobile technologies. These technologies help improve the accountability and transparency of consular services and enhance public trust in government.
Accessing legal assistance for consular services through attorneys is now easier. In addition, consulates are using new technologies in disseminating public information to reduce public doubt caused by misinformation during the application process.
While getting legal assistance for consular services can be complex and time-consuming, technology has made it possible to streamline the process and make it more efficient; it has reformed how lawyers and clients can communicate, collaborate, and work together. Whether notarizing documents, getting a passport, or seeking any other legal issue, clients can now rely on technology to seek expert legal advice in the comfort of their homes or elsewhere.
Innovating Diplomatic Communication to Enhance Consular Services
The world is increasingly digitized, which has profoundly impacted the delivery of consular services. The use of technology has made it possible for consular officials to provide a more efficient and effective service to their clients.
The Department of foreign affairs could promote the use of technologies to enhance effective communication with consulates and embassies. This could apply more appropriately to countries with many diplomatic missions worldwide, such as the United States, which has already implemented new visions of work in its protocols. According to the booklet “Protocol for the Modern Diplomat,” the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. Department of State suggested that diplomats use modern resources such as emails instead of letters.
Technology has also been used to experiment with new directions in managing diplomatic communication. Some countries have started using technology to facilitate diplomatic communication and make it faster, while others are using these technologies to widen their reach in the information sphere. By 2017, the USA had already started using STARTTLS technology to enhance communication with its federal agencies, which helps in encrypting email communication.
The US government also detects spam and phishing emails using Domain Keys Identified Mail and Sender Policy Framework technologies. This protects the exchange of information between federal departments while strengthening the security of communications. Consulates and embassies can utilize these technologies to efficiently deliver consulate services, as they have proved effective in government work.
Instant Messaging Apps for Consular Services
Consulates could also benefit from instant messaging apps because they would enable easier communication between staff and officials and with their clients. To be practical, many consulates have started using instant messaging apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp to communicate and send important documents. However, regarding transferring crucial information, WhatsApp is not a supported secure mechanism and has even been banned by the UN in its work environment. As such, consulates need messaging apps with exclusive security measures needed for consular services.
In this regard, the development of encrypted messaging apps with a focus on secure communication and privacy is key. For instance, the U.S. Armed Forces use Wickr and Signal messaging apps in war zones. In such operations, adversaries are likely to tap into mobile phones and communications systems; but the apps use an encrypted code to transfer information. Due to the end-to-end encryption technology in these communication channels, only the sender and receiver can open shared documents, listen to calls, and read the sent messages.
Modernizing Consular Services
Another important reform involves prioritizing using technological tools such as virtual events, web platforms, and social media as cultural diffusion and public diplomacy mechanisms. And with the current revolution in digital media, consulates need to reinforce their strategies for offering consular services.
Currently, consulates must depend on foreign affairs departments to issue documents. They only take a person’s picture, collect biodata, and then send everything to the Department of foreign affairs, where the document is printed after processing information. The document is then sent via a diplomatic bag, which can take weeks or months to arrive. Therefore, consulates must be provided with technological resources to help them offer consular services and issue on-site documents. This includes biometric devices, laminators, printing machines, and other necessary equipment.
Bottom Line
The subject of the role of technology in enhancing diplomatic functions is an integral component of consular services. Governments can improve and innovate their work by using available technological resources. This will help streamline public diplomacy, diplomatic communication, and delivery of consular services to strengthen diplomacy. Overall, technology plays a key role in improving consular services and reducing wait times for applicants.
