20,000 Indian students waiting to get back to China

CHENNAI: At least 20,000 Indian students, who were pursuing higher education in Chinese universities, are stranded in India as China has not lifted the ban on entry of foreign students. The career of 500 Indian faculty, too, is hanging fire as the Chinese ministry of education has advised them not to come to China without a call from their respective institutions.
According to a statement issued by the Indian embassy in Beijing on Monday, Indian students have not been included in the list of categories for foreigners who can enter China.
Indian embassy takes up students’ cause
While the Indian embassy has taken up the issue with Chinese authorities, including the ministry of education (in China), their response of the Chinese authorities regarding their stand on the return of foreign students to China has not come yet, said the statement.
Indian students, who are mostly from the medical stream, have been advised to remain in touch with their respective universities and colleges in this regard.
The ministry of education of China has announced that all overseas students and teachers who have not received notices from their respective institutions will not be allowed to return to their colleges or universities.
This has made re-entry to China a challenge for both students and teachers. “Most of the international students and teachers in China were asked to return to their countries after the outbreak of Covid-19 early this year. Only a few Indians still remain there,” an Indian teacher said.
Meanwhile, the visas of some students and faculty have expired.
As per rough estimates, about 18,000 Indian students are studying in 45 medical universities across China. The Medical Council of India data reveal that these universities had an annual quota of 3,370 seats in 2019-2020.
Another Indian teacher said China does not want global students to return for now. “Students have shifted to online classes, but they will lose on practical experience,” the teacher added.