ТASHKENT, January 28. /Dunyo IA/. In today’s globalized world, millions of people live outside their home countries for reasons such as education, employment, business or travel, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Under these circumstances, protecting the rights and legitimate interests of citizens abroad and providing them with support has become a key priority of state policy.

At a meeting held on 15 January, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to strengthen consular services, modernize diplomatic missions and ensure prompt and high-quality support for citizens abroad. This underscores the continued importance of consular registration and tracking of citizens living outside Uzbekistan.

What is a Consular Service?

A consular service is a system of official assistance provided by a state to its citizens who are temporarily or permanently living abroad. It operates through diplomatic missions and consular offices and encompasses several key functions:

• Issuing passports and other official documents;
• Registering civil status events (births, marriages, deaths);
• Providing notarial services and document legalization;
• Offering legal advice and consultations;
• Delivering assistance in emergencies.

In simple terms, a consular service acts as a reliable “bridge” connecting citizens abroad with their home country, ensuring support, protection and access to essential services wherever they may be.

What is Consular Registration?

Consular registration is the official process by which citizens living abroad register with their country’s embassy or consulate. By completing this registration, a citizen provides the consular office with essential personal information, enabling authorities to establish prompt contact if necessary.

Consular registration is divided into two types:

1. Permanent consular registration – for citizens residing abroad on a long-term or permanent basis.

2. Temporary consular registration – for citizens traveling abroad for a limited period for purposes such as study, work, medical treatment, or family reasons.

For example, if you are working abroad and lose your passport, being on consular registration allows consular staff to quickly issue a temporary travel document for your return home. Without registration, the process may take significantly longer and require additional verification.

In emergency situations - such as earthquakes, political unrest or security threats - citizens on consular registration can be promptly informed, evacuated to safe areas and provided with medical or other essential assistance.

One of the most common concerns is the citizenship registration of children born abroad. Registering a child’s birth through the consulate ensures their citizenship is properly documented, preventing potential issues with official documents in the future.

In cases of detention or legal difficulties abroad, consular offices monitor the protection of citizens’ rights, provide legal assistance within the framework of local law and when necessary, help establish contact with lawyers.

In short, consular registration is a critical tool for safeguarding citizens abroad, providing access to vital support, legal protection and emergency assistance wherever they may be.

How to register for Consular Services?

Uzbek citizens abroad can register with their country’s embassy or consulate through the following methods:

• In-person registration at the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the host country.
• In some countries, registration is possible via online consular services.
• During registration, citizens provide passport details, residential address and contact information.
• If you change your place of residence or return to Uzbekistan, it is recommended to notify the consular office to update your records.

Consular registration ensures that citizens abroad can receive timely assistance, legal support and emergency aid whenever necessary.

What are the benefits of Consular Registration?

Consular registration provides a range of practical and legal advantages for citizens living or traveling abroad:

• Official recognition and continuous connection with the home country;
• Prompt assistance in emergencies;
• Faster and simplified processing of documents;
• Access to important information regarding legislation and safety;
• Support from the consulate in interactions with local authorities.

It is important to remember that Uzbekistan’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad serve as an integral part of the homeland and a reliable source of protection for citizens. Consular registration is not merely a formal procedure; it is an effective mechanism for ensuring safety, legal protection and state support for every citizen abroad.

Wherever you are in the world, being on consular registration provides confidence, peace of mind and ongoing attention from your government.