Beijing: China will issue visas to Indian students stranded in their home country for over two-and-half years due to Covid-related travel restrictions, to complete their courses in Chinese universities.
“Warmest congrats to #Indian #students! Your patience proves worthwhile. I can really share your excitement & happiness. Welcome back to #China!” Ji Rong, counselor, department of Asian affairs, ministry of foreign affairs, China, tweeted.
A large number of Indian students — from among the 23,000 who have enrolled in various courses, including medicine, in Chinese universities — have registered with the Indian embassy in Beijing to return to the neighboring country.
New students interested in studying in China will also be able to come to the country, the Chinese embassy in New Delhi announced on August 22.
As per the detailed announcement, X1-Visa will be issued to students who intend to come to China to pursue long-term higher academic education, including newly enrolled students and those who want to return to China to resume their studies.
The process of their returning to Chinese universities, however, will take more time, primarily because there are no direct flights between India and China at present and flying via a third country remains a complicated process.
In April, after frequent representations from New Delhi and students, China agreed to permit the return of “some” stranded Indian students and asked the Indian embassy in Beijing to collect the details of those wanting to return.
Other categories of visas announced by the Chinese embassy included M-Visa issued to those who intend to visit for commercial and trade activities, F-Visa for those traveling for exchanges, visits, study tours, and other non-commercial activities, and Z-Visa for those wanting to work in the neighboring country. (Hindustan Times)
