Baran questions delays in Greek consular appointments abroad

Independent İskeçe MP Burhan Baran has brought delays in appointment scheduling at Greek consulates abroad before the Greek Parliament, calling for a special mechanism to ensure faster assistance in urgent and humanitarian cases.

In a parliamentary question submitted on August 25, 2026, in Athens to Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, Baran highlighted the importance of efficient and reliable consular services for Greek citizens living abroad.

Delays persist despite digitalization
Baran said delays in consular services were not a new issue, noting that he had raised similar concerns in Parliament in 2019.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken steps in recent years to modernize consular services and develop digital platforms such as e-proxeneio.

However, Baran argued that digitalization has not fully resolved the problem, with some citizens still having to wait for extended periods before securing an appointment. He warned that such delays can cause serious difficulties, particularly in urgent situations.

Families face difficulties after deaths abroad
According to information received by Baran, relatives of a Greek citizen who dies abroad may in some cases have to wait three or four days to obtain a consular appointment.

He stressed that families dealing with the loss of a loved one may simultaneously have to complete procedures related to registering the death, arranging the transfer of the deceased or ashes to Greece, and handling other consular formalities.

Baran called for a special procedure allowing citizens involved in such cases to receive priority service.

“Technology should not simply move the waiting time online”
While describing the digitalization of consular services as an important step, Baran argued that technology should not merely transfer citizens’ waiting time to a digital platform.

He called for a dedicated mechanism capable of providing rapid assistance in urgent and humanitarian cases, particularly following deaths abroad, and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take concrete action.

Four questions to the Foreign Ministry
Baran asked Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis four questions concerning the current situation at Greek consulates abroad:

• What is the average waiting time for obtaining an appointment at Greek consulates, and which consulates are experiencing the longest delays?
• Has the effectiveness of the e-proxeneio digital platform been assessed in reducing waiting times and improving services for citizens?
• Is there currently a special priority procedure for urgent and humanitarian cases, such as the death of a Greek citizen abroad? If not, does the ministry plan to establish one?

What concrete measures are planned to permanently address appointment delays and ensure that citizens with genuine urgent needs can receive fast and priority service?