Updates
We will bring you the latest updates on all related news and information on events and changes within the consular sector.
24.10.2023
Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) London Premium Service Closing
On the 12th of October 2023 the FCDO made an announcement that they will be closing the London Premium Apostille Service at the end of this year. The last day that the London Premium Service will be open to process documents for Apostille will be the 29th of December 2023.
From the 2nd of January 2024, CDN will exclusively offer an Apostille service via the business desk at the FCDO’s Milton Keynes site. This service takes two working days and is attended daily by our in-house couriers.
Additionally for our London based clients, we will offer a dedicated, daily collection and drop off service free of charge* to help during this transitional phase.
If you require further information then please contact the Legal Team on Tel: 0333 4567 100, or alternatively email: legal@cdn-consular.co.uk
*Based upon location
Update regarding Chinese Consulate (relevant to the Processing of Personal & Commercial documents for Legal use)
The Chinese Consulate is now open for appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost of legalisation has not changed and back up for both personal and commercial documents remains the same as previously requested.
From a processing point of view whatever is lodged one working day will be available for collection the next working day.
Please be aware that whilst CDN are making every effort and working hard to obtain appointments as quickly as possible we cannot currently confirm a processing time due to the difficulty in obtaining the required appointments.
FCO Milton Keynes Business Desk Open
Please be advised that the FCO Business Desk at Milton Keynes is now open. This service is only open to existing registered agents such as us at CDN
Due to the current climate however they can only accept a limited amount of submissions per day.
Be assured the Legal Team here at CDN will do everything we can to expedite the paperwork as quickly as possible and minimise the delay to you and your clients.
If you require further information then please contact the Legal Team on tel: 0333 4567 100, or alternatively email: legal@cdn-consular.co.uk
Revised Working Hours During COVD-19 Shutdown
Please note currently we will be working reduced hours of 9am-4pm Monday -Friday during the COVID-19 shutdown.
E mails will be monitored 24/7 so please contact us as required outside the above office hours.
Arab British Chamber of Commerce Notification
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
In line with the latest UK government guidance, and as part of our commitment to the safety and well-being of all our staff, visitors and guests, we have decided to put on hold our forthcoming events until further notice.
However, supporting our members and our documentation business is being carried out as usual including legalisation and certification of documents (as applicable), translation, visa services etc.
We are reviewing the situation closely and will keep you updated for any further developments.
Thank you for your understanding and for your ongoing support for the Arab British Chamber of Commerce.
Continuation of Chamber Certification
Please advised that we have made arrangements with the Chamber of Commerce to continue certifying documents for us so please process as normal.
We will advise of any further updates when required.
Temporary FCO Business Desk Closure
Please be advised that the business desk at the FCO has temporarily closed due to reduced staff levels and a Royal Mail back log.
We have been advised that as soon as this is cleared the business desk will reopen to us and service will resume.
Our staff will continue processing documents as normal in preparation for lodging, therefore please continue to lodge with us.
Be assured we will keep you updated as to the reopening as soon as notified by the FCO.
Christmas Post 2019
We would advise should you have any urgent orders over the upcoming Christmas period that you choose the next day traceable Royal Mail Special Delivery service as your method of return rather than relying on first class post given the delays that may be incurred during this busy period.
Holy month of Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, beginning 5th May 2019, and ending on or around 4th June 2019, the Arab British Chamber of Commerce will adopt shorter working hours. The reduced hours during this period will be 10am- 3pm Monday to Friday.
Equally all Embassies will also have shorter working hours, therefore delays in documentation turnaround may be experienced during this period.
Please note also that at the end of the holy month of Ramadan the embassies will close for several days.
Eid Al Adha
On the occasion of Eid Al Adha, the Arab British Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Tuesday 21st August 2018, for one day only, returning for business as usual on Wednesday 22nd.
Please also be aware that during the week commencing Monday 20th August most Embassies will close for several days.
GDPR
Due to the upcoming GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation as of May 25th 2018, we have updated our Privacy Policy (click to view this updated policy) which details how we use and protect your personal information and your rights in relation to this.
Holy Month of Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, beginning 16th May and ending on or around 14th-15th June 2018, the Arab British Chamber Of Commerce will adopt shorter working hours. The reduced hours during this period will be 10am- 3pm Monday to Friday.
Equally, all Embassies will also have shorter working hours, therefore delays in documentation turnaround may be experienced during this period.
Please note that at the end of the holy month of Ramadan the embassies will close for several days. We will advise further details of these embassy closures as they are confirmed to us.
Royal Mail 1st Class Post Price Increase
We have been informed by Royal Mail that there will be an increase of 7p to the current 1st Class mail from £1.21 to £1.28. This increase comes into affect as of Monday 26th March 2018
Iraq Embassy Fees
We have been informed by the Iraq Embassy that as of 7th November, 2016 the legalisation fee per export shipping document will increase from £ 135 to £ 150. This is due to the change in Sterling rate against the US Dollar.
New members joining Hague Convention
Chile, Brazil & Morocco are joining the Hague Apostille. These will come into effect from:
Guatemala - 18th September 2017
Chile – 30th August 2016
Brazil – 14th August 2016
Morocco – 14th August 2016
CDN is now an Associate Member of the British International Freight Association
CDN is proud to sponsor “Smash Alley”...
a booklet aimed at educating children on the effects of drugs and alcohol abuse. These booklets will be distributed to The Magna Carta School, our local comprehensive in Staines.
Chinese Embassy
With immediate effect we have been informed by the Chinese Embassy that back up documentation will be required for all applications as follows:
Personal documents - A passport copy from the applicant or applicants
Commercial documents - A copy of the company Certificate of Incorporation
Yemen
With immediate effect we have been informed by the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen that the legalisation fee for Health Certificates submitted has increased from £ 300* to £ 400*.
*Express fee of £ 20 is still applicable.
Tajikistan have joined the Hague Convention
they no longer offer a legalisation service, Apostille only.
Haiti have opened an Embassy in London
14 Cavendish Place, London W1G 9DJ which now provides a legalisation service for documents at a cost of £32 per document, process time is one working day.