Of course knew about the embassies stopping their letters, UK, USA, and Oz, that was donkeys years and years ago. (Due to immigration wanting the letters to really verify the income and pension, rather than simply confirming a signature or an affidavit). But some embassies continued and their countrymen were fortunate to have this easy way forward. Combination method went on as before, I never really heard of this being completely withdrawn. Never had to use it.
I don't have to keep up, I put the 800k in a FD account a long time ago!