Digitalization of Consular Procedures Underway

Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, proposed two strategies to expedite and more effectively protect the rights of Mexicans abroad, in line with the mandate given to him by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.

During his appearance in the Senate of the Republic, where he was confirmed as Foreign Minister, detailed that the first of these strategies is the digitalization of all services offered by Mexico’s consulates, which will begin immediately and is expected to be completed within the next two years.

“This is not a process that will be completed overnight,” he stated, but he confirmed that the necessary frameworks are already in place to begin digitalizing the essential documents required by Mexican nationals, most notably starting with birth certificates. “We are going to make all of that accessible digitally,” he emphasized.

“The improvement of consular services will be achieved through digitalization. It won’t be achieved by creating more bureaucracy... the key instrument will be technology”, Juan Ramón de la Fuente said.

The second strategy outlined by the former ambassador of Mexico to the United Nations (UN) is to strengthen legal support by developing protocols to respond promptly and effectively to issues such as mass deportations, illegal detentions, domestic violence, and mental health.

Additionally, he stated that all protection mechanisms must be closely linked to local authorities. Consulates need to work closely with local prosecutors, police, school districts, and healthcare networks.

“Weaving a network of community services so they can be accessible to Mexican migrants and their families.”

Finally, he reiterated his commitment to personally oversee the newly created General Coordination of Consulates, which will monitor the work of Mexico’s consular network abroad.