Students unable to go abroad: MEA takes note
MUMBAI: A day after HT highlighted the plight of hundreds of students who despite getting admissions confirmed or already studying in universities abroad are stranded in India owing to non-availability of visas or flights, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday issued a notice on the matter.
The notice has directed students studying abroad to write to their respective Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) office about the difficulties in reaching their university. “Indian students studying abroad who are stuck in India owing to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and mobility issues can send their coordinates, that is, email ID and mobile number to OIA-II Division at Emails : us.oia2@mea.gov.in and so1oia2@mea.gov.in,” said the notice on the official website.
For the past few days students across Maharashtra have been reaching out to the state as well as Central government officials on social media, hoping to attract their attention on the issue. While many students are waiting for the temporary ban on international flights to be lifted to travel to their universities, others have also shared concerns over their inability to access visas. “I have already paid my fees and the bank has started deducting the EMI for the education loan. But there’s still no clarity as visa and biometrics centres are shut,” said a Mumbai student, who is set to join a supply chain management course in Canada in September.
Many students have also shared their worry about the gap between the two Covishield shots, which stands at 84 days. Students have to wait till September to get their second shot, but their classes are slated to begin in July-august. “As Covaxin is still not recognised internationally, we have to choose Covishield. I can’t get my second dose before September, while my course begins in the first week of July,” said Anindita Chakraborty, who has secured admissions for an MBA course from a US University.
This notice by MEA has also given those studying medicine in China, but have been unable to return to their campuses for over a year, some hope. “Finally after writing multiple letters, the government has given us an inkling of hope. We are writing to the ministry in large numbers,” said a thirdyear medical student from Jianghan University in Wuhan.