China's notification relating to visa facilitation for foreigners travelling to China, does not apply to foreign students

Indian Embassy in Beijing on Monday said that recent notification by Chinese authorities relating to visa facilitation for foreigners traveling to China, does not apply to foreign students.

 

The Embassy in a notification said, Chinese authorities at various levels continue to maintain their position that, on account of last year’s announcement to suspend temporarily the entry of foreigners holding valid Chinese Visa and residence permits following the outbreak of Covid-19 in many countries in the world, overseas students are temporarily unable to enter China.

 

Chinese authorities have been saying that they are aware of the concerns of the students and have asked all relevant Chinese universities to maintain close contact with the students, besides continuing with the online courses.

 

But



students lament that there is a lack of communication from their universities regarding any curriculum readjustments or any possible date of return etc.

 

They have time and again highlighted the problems of online studies as many subjects involve lab practical.

 

They have already lost one full year and are worried about the value of their degrees due to involvement of online courses.

 

Chinese Embassy in New Delhi said in a notification last week, it will start issuing visas to foreigners who need to travel to China but only if they have taken a Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine.

 

The rule, however, did not help Indians including students to get visas since New Delhi has not approved use of China-made vaccines in the country.