Quote Originally Posted by panama hat View Post
99% of diplomats are issuing visas, arranging cultural exchanges, supporting their countries' citizens in need, issuing new passports for lost ones
I suspect very few "diplomats" actually do the "activities" you list.

Here is information on what a "Diplomatic Services Officer", might be involved in. The UK office and in an overseas Embassy.

"As a diplomatic services officer, you'll specialise in the practical side of diplomatic work and will deal with foreign policy and service delivery overseas. You'll also have the opportunity to influence international and diplomatic development.
The FCO deals with issues such as:


  • conflict resolution
  • counter terrorism
  • trade and investment
  • forced marriages
  • human rights
  • climate change.


Responsibilities

Tasks vary depending on where you're working. For example, you could be based in a small or remote embassy, in a large embassy in Paris or Washington, or in the FCO's London offices. However, you'll typically need to:


  • draft and proofread written reports
  • liaise with high commissions and embassies
  • organise and ensure the smooth running of ministerial and diplomatic visits, from transport arrangements to entertainment
  • answer general written correspondence by letter or email
  • analyse and interpret written material
  • handle queries by telephone from other departments, members of the public and overseas contacts
  • deal face-to-face with queries from the public
  • update travel advice and information
  • manage staff, including overseeing staff performance and carrying out annual appraisals
  • handle departmental or project budgets
  • update and complete personnel details, accounts and other admin tasks
  • support and assist colleagues with their policy work
  • undertake other specific activities related to your particular department.


Overseas, the role may involve similar activities to those listed above. You'll also need to:


  • assist British exporters and individuals
  • work as an entry clearance officer, assessing visa applications and conducting interviews
  • undertake specialist project work, depending on where you're posted."


Diplomatic service officer job profile | Prospects.ac.uk

In Thailand there is a commercial company to handle Visa application, VFS (Thailand) Ltd.

But I digress.

You do suggest that diplomats are, "generally public servants doing their jobs".

Do the jobs you listed as being done by "diplomats" warrant targeting and splattering?