More people seeking embassies' help

Maltese citizens abroad made a record of 6,500 contacts with Malta's 27 embassies during the summer, the Foreign Ministry said today. A total of 15,000 contacts were made since the beginning of the year, mostly by people seeking assistance.

The ministry said this excluded 450 contacts made by foreigners who were interested in trade and investment links with Malta.

At the beginning of the summer, the ministry had handed travellers a booklet on how they could contact Malta's embassies if they needed help.

Most people contacted embassies because they had either lost their passports, travel documents or money, the ministry said. Others had problems with the police.

The ministry said the embassies were increasing Malta's exposure in diplomatic and investment circles.

The ministry's website had also been revamped.

www.foreign.gov.mt