New Delhi (NVI): The Chinese authorities have decided not to let foreign students enter the country for the time being, in the wake of coronavirus crisis, the Indian Embassy in Beijing said in a statement today.
The Indian Embassy has been taking up the matter with Chinese authorities to come out with their plans for the return of Indian students to China.
Kindly continue to follow the web sites and social media handles of @EOIBeijing @cgiguangzhou @IndiaInShanghai for further updates. https://t.co/Q3N8XnIxBA
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) September 7, 2020
In a written reply to the Embassy’s concern, the Ministry of China has sent a reply saying: “At present, foreign students in China cannot enter the country for the time being, but the Chinese Govt attaches great importance to the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of foreign students in China.”
The Chinese Education Ministry further stated: “It requires relevant universities in China to maintain close contacts with the students, immediately notify relevant information and try their best to protect students’ academic process through online courses.”
“In view of the fact that the pandemic situation in the world is till unclear and relevant policies on entry and exit in China are being gradually adjusted, it is suggested that Indian students should maintain close contact with relevant Chinese colleges and Universities and arrange to study in China in strict accordance with suggestions and guidance of the Colleges/Universities,” the Chinese Ministry statement added.
Following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic earlier this year, the Chinese government had restricted the entry of foreigners into China, permitting such entry only in specific circumstances.
While some exceptions have been made with regard to some categories of foreigners who can enter China with fresh visa, foreign students have not been included in any of these categories, the Indian Embassy said.
Earlier on September 2, the Indian Embassy had said that Chinese authorities have not yet taken any decision regarding the return of foreign students to the colleges and universities in the country.
Interestingly, the first Covid-19 case in India was a 20-year-old Indian medical student who flew down from Wuhan to Kerala and was diagnosed with the virus.
It is pertinent to mention here that the deadly coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan city of central China last year and then spread all over the world.
According to reports in foreign media, the situation is getting back to normal in the city and in other parts of China as well.
The relations between India and China have soured over the past four months due to escalating border tensions.
-ARK
