Beyond Borders: The Role of Consular Services in Legal Identity and Identity Management

IOM’s manual Beyond Borders: The Role of Consular Services in Legal Identity and Identity Management explains how consular services can support people’s right to legal identity. It shows how consular tasks — such as civil registration, identity and travel document issuance and protection in emergencies — connect to national identity systems and international standards. The manual shares clear steps, safeguards and good practices to help governments use consular services to close identity gaps, especially for migrants and individuals in vulnerable situations. This practical guide helps countries improve their consular work, so it is more inclusive, secure and in line with global standards. The Manual’s goal is to help IOM Member States build legal identity systems that protect human rights, improve access to services and protect every individual’s right to recognition before the law.