In a major move, China has resumed visa for Indian students, businessmen and families of those working in China, bringing relief to thousands who were stranded. By Anushka Goel
On Monday (August 22), China announced its plans to issue visas to those Indians who have been at home in India for over two years due to the pandemic. Ever since the pandemic began, hundreds of Indian students were stranded at home because of Beijing’s strict COVID-19 restrictions, along with the various categories of travel permits that were being issued to Indians.
China to issue visa to stranded Indian students
Warmest congrats to #Indian #students! Your patience proves worthwhile. I can really share your excitement & happiness. Welcome back to #China!🌹https://t.co/DKVdjVmQWP pic.twitter.com/ZHIQwIJaU1
— Ji Rong嵇蓉 (@JiRongMFA) August 22, 2022
In a tweet, Ji Rong, Counsellor, Department of Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China, congratulated students. She said, “Warmest congrats to #Indian #students! Your patience proves worthwhile. I can really share your excitement & happiness. Welcome back to #China!”
According to reports, the X1-Visa will be issued to students intending to go to China to pursue long-term study for higher education. This includes both students already enrolled at Chinese universities along with new enrollments. As per reports, over 23,000 Indian students are currently stuck at home due to these visa restrictions in China. Most of these youngsters are students of medicine, reports add.
However, these visas cannot be obtained just like that. While new students require an original admission letter from a university in China, old students will need to submit a ‘Certificate of Returning to Campus’, which will be issued by their university in China. This can be tricky as some universities are avoiding issuing this certificate owing to the COVID-19 conditions in their regions. According to reports, over 1,000 students have expressed their will to resume studies in China.
What also poses an issue is the fact that the two countries, which are next to each other, do not have direct flights. In July, China allowed family members of Indian professionals working in China to arrive and be with their families, and many people came via third country routes, paying prices that were several times higher than the usual ticket prices. Now, apart from students, those who want to visit the country for business and trade, visits and other activities will be permitted to enter.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Denny Ryanto/Unsplash
Related: As Pandemic Eases, South Korea Allows Unrestricted Travel For Indian Tourists
Anushka Goel
Digital Features Writer
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
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