‘Where can I watch the World Cup?’ Britons’ bizarre calls for help to UK consulate

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The place to get blonde highlights, pleas for assist discovering a automobile on the Eiffel Tower and locations to observe the World Cup are amongst a number of the strangest calls to UK embassies and consulates from Britons overseas in search of recommendation.

The International Workplace has launched a few of its most uncommon requests for help from Britons abroad, which embody one holidaymaker in Egypt who requested the embassy to do one thing in regards to the temperature of the showers at their resort.

Its employees have seen an increase in football-related enquiries in the course of the World Cup, with one caller in Italy asking the place they may watch the Scotland v Haiti group sport in Milan.

With England set to face Norway in Saturday evening’s quarter-final conflict, the International Workplace is urging Britons abroad to examine what help it might provide earlier than getting in contact.

Fraser McDougall, the pinnacle of the consular contact centre, mentioned: “We’re at all times glad to do what we are able to to assist out Brits overseas the place doable. Whereas we are able to’t assist with retrieving misplaced automobiles or the place to observe the soccer, we’re pleased with the help we offer to over 1 / 4 of one million Brits every year.”

Amongst a number of the strangest calls it has acquired was a Briton in Georgia who known as the International Workplace to see if their two pets might be granted British citizenship to ensure diplomatic safety.

In one other name, a person planning to go to the UK requested their native embassy for assist to e-book Royal Ascot tickets.

One caller contacted the embassy in Paris asking how a lot duck pâté they may convey into the UK, whereas a holidaymaker in Nigeria requested the embassy for assist in get a refund for an unsatisfactory meal they’d eaten at an Abuja restaurant.

In one of the weird requests, a Briton in Jordan requested the embassy in the event that they knew the place they may get blonde highlights.

British embassies and consulates abroad have acquired greater than 328,000 enquiries and requests for assist over the previous 12 months.

“Whereas the FCDO can not advise on hairdressing choices or resolve restaurant complaints, consular employees do present important help to tens of hundreds of British folks overseas yearly,” the International Workplace mentioned.

It’s now reminding Britons to examine its journey recommendation earlier than calling.

Sarah Taylor, the director for consular and disaster, mentioned: “Whether or not it’s serving to to interchange a misplaced passport or supporting folks in disaster the FCDO has knowledgeable consular employees out there 24/7, one year a 12 months to assist.

“To make sure you get pleasure from your time and keep protected overseas, keep in mind to examine our Journey Recommendation and be sure to have acceptable insurance coverage earlier than you journey. If you happen to encounter difficulties whereas abroad, you may contact the closest British Embassy, Excessive Fee, or Consulate.”