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The Indian Embassy here said on Monday that it is closely following Chinese authorities over the concerns of thousands of Indian students who are trapped in their homes and unable to return to China to rejoin their universities due to COVID-19 restrictions. imposed by Beijing. . There are more than 4.40 lakh of foreign students from all over the world in China.
This includes more than 23,000 Indians, mostly studying medicine at various Chinese medical colleges after paying high fees. Citing COVID-19 restrictions, China has been advising students to continue online classes in their respective countries. Students, however, have been claiming that since most of them are taking science courses, they need access to labs for hands-on training.
They have also complained about the suspension of their scholarships. In a press release, the Indian Embassy in Beijing said: “As noted in its previous communications, the Indian Embassy in Beijing has followed closely with the Chinese authorities, including the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. , regarding the concerns of Indian students in China, especially their early return to colleges / universities in this country. It will continue to engage with the Chinese side to seek progress on the issue of movement of people between the two countries, “he said.
Chinese authorities at various levels continue to hold their position that, due to the announcement last year by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Administration of Immigration to temporarily suspend the entry of foreigners with valid Chinese visas and residence permits following the COVID outbreak -19 in In many countries, foreign students are temporarily unable to enter China, the embassy said. He stressed that the Chinese authorities have also conveyed that they are aware of students’ concerns and have asked all relevant Chinese universities to maintain close contact with students and keep them informed, in addition to continuing online courses. “The Chinese authorities have also suggested that Indian students keep in touch with their universities and pursue their studies according to the suggestions and guidance of the universities,” the statement said.
The embassy recommended that Indian students monitor its website and social media channels to keep up to date on developments in the situation regarding the return of foreign students to China. The statement also cited the response of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian to questions on the matter at a press conference on March 19. The Chinese government attaches great importance to protecting the rights and interests of foreign students in China. Academic institutions are required to keep in close contact with those students abroad, arrange well for online courses, and adequately address their legitimate concerns and appeals. On the precondition of observing containment protocols, the Chinese authorities will study this matter in a coordinated manner and will remain in communication with the relevant parties. he said quoting Zhao.
Recently, the Chinese authorities have issued a notification related to the facilitation of visas for foreigners traveling to China, the statement noted, referring to a notice from the Chinese Embassy in India stating that it is mandatory for people coming from India and 19 other nations obtain Chinese information. made COVID-19 vaccinations if they want to travel to the country. However, he insisted that the notice does not apply to foreign students.
