23,000 Indian students to continue with online classes as China denies permission for flights

While 23,000 Indian students in Chinese universities wait for institutes to open up, China has denied permission for India to operate chartered flights, citing reinforced strict Coronavirus measures with the ongoing pandemic situation globally, Livemint reported.

“In fact, with reports of resurgence of COVID-19 cases in China, authorities have further reinforced epidemic controls and restrictions on travel and entry into China. The suspension of visas of Indian nationals issued before November 2, 2020 is an instance of these enhanced controls,” the Indian Embassy said.

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“Chinese authorities have denied permission for the operation of any chartered flights between India and China, citing their strict control measures,” it added.

Amongst 23,000 Indian students, most of them who belong to the medical stream are stuck in India as they await permission for their colleges to reopen while the Embassy continues to follow this issue keenly, it has been repeatedly advised by Chinese authorities that the “restrictions in place are not likely to be relaxed in the coming months and that students studying in China should be advised accordingly with respect to their studies for the next semester, which are likely to continue only through online means,” the statement said.

“Indian students to monitor its websites and social media channels to remain updated about the evolving situation with respect to the prospects of their return to China” Embassy advised.