Phochana Meak, Consular Officer in Afghanistan

“In Kabul, the consular services that we can provide to Canadians are limited by the security situation in Afghanistan. In our Travel Advice and Advisories for this country, we recommend that Canadians not travel here.”

Phochana Meak is a Management Consular Officer at the Canadian Embassy in Kabul.

Roughly 3,000 Canadians visit Afghanistan every year. Some work for humanitarian organizations and others are dual citizens. Phochana and her colleagues provide them with passport and citizenship services, consular advice and assistance.

“Due to the unstable security conditions, it’s hard for us to get around in the city. So we occasionally organize information sessions at the embassy for Canadians in Afghanistan to explain the risks they face living and travelling in the area and teach them about our consular services. It’s also an opportunity to make ourselves known, in case they have problems.”

Despite the warnings, some travellers are attracted by extreme tourism and take major risks.

“Rarely a week goes by without an incident occurring somewhere – the danger is very real. A number of people don’t use the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. That makes our work more difficult because we want to reach them to warn them when there is danger or even to check that they are still doing all right.”

Phochana is passionate about her work, which is anything but routine.

“When I can help Canadians get out of a sticky situation, I really feel like I’ve managed to make a difference in their lives.”