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DAAD Asked German MFA to Resume Visa Application Procedure

Early during the year, a worldwide pandemic, which we all commonly know as the Coronavirus, spread its wrath. Soon after, cities, states, and countries around the globe shut down one after another. Even now, almost every industry worldwide faces the consequences of this deadly virus.

The most devastating news is that there is still no vaccine or cure, which is why prevention is the only cure – for now. This means that several industries have to shut down for an extended period to avoid contamination and spread of infection.

One of the signatures moves during the global pandemic is lockdowns and travel restrictions. This move is put in place primarily to ensure that infection rates reduce. However, it also causes a plethora of other issues. These include loss of livelihood, a halt to education, travel, tourism, and economies falling.

Currently, as the world is still reeling from the effects of this virus, Governments all around the world are starting to make significant policy changes.

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What Is DAAD Asking of the German MFA?

What most people widely know as DAAD is the German Academic Exchange Service. They are the most extensive support organization in Germany whose primary work is in international academic cooperation.

Recently, DAAD is making requests to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs (German MFA) to resume visa applications for students. These students mainly hail from the third country. Due to several lockdown restrictions and travel restrictions put in place, they cannot continue their regular education in Germany.

As one can imagine, this leads to a tremendous loss in the economy for Germany. After months of facing lockdown restrictions, they are finally easing up and relaxing.

How Did This Move Take Place?

For the longest time, students face constant worries of losing their place in Universities if they cannot process their visas on time. Even now, this fear continues to spread amongst students, parents, and even the teachers.

Thousands of students who are looking forward to entering Germany for their education are taking up to ‘protesting’ through the means of social media. Taking this medium, they are voicing their concerns and even rage at the delay in procedures. Furthermore, they worry that they run a high risk of losing their place in these German universities. If they cannot process their visas on time, they will consequently be unable to enter the country to pursue their education.

We cannot say that they are very wrong in having these worries. As per the guidelines and regulations, any student who is unable to process their visa on time will be able to enter the country.

Now, amidst the lockdown restrictions and widespread panic, students have no choice but to use social media as their mouthpiece to voice their displeasure and concern.

What Is the Current Situation in Germany?

Presently, lockdown and even travel restrictions are experiencing a lot of easing and relaxation. This move is put into place after the Government notices that the cases of infection and death by Covid-19 are declining. The action is put into implementation after grave concerns and discussions about its repercussions.

The DAAD, using Twitter as their medium, announces that they are encouraging the Federal MFA to re-start the visa application procedures for all the students who are eager to begin their University studies in Germany. Along with this, they also take the opportunity to point out the science and research organizations all over Germany, which support their cause and request.

Using the signature ‘hashtag,’ they encourage more people to join the #EducationIsNotTourism campaign. As the hashtag suggests, this campaign points out that one should not equate education with tourism. It is imperative to allow students to enter the country once again and begin their education.

This move is not only beneficial for the international students but also German Universities, as well as their economy.

What Is the Tweet by DAAD on Their Public Twitter Account?

Those familiar with Twitter understand that they follow a strict 280 character limit on their public platform. This often forces people to Tweet using only a specific number of characters, and not more.

Keeping this in mind, DAAD releases a series of 2 consecutive Tweets to bring their point to light. The Tweets are as follows:

“Dear all, we agree – #EducationIsNotTourism. The #DAAD has encouraged the federal foreign Ministry to facilitate the visa application and immigration processes, and they have already reacted positively.

We have the full support of the entire alliance of all science and research organizations in Germany. So, hopefully, we will see an improvement in the situation before long.”

What Were the Reactions?

After a great deal of anticipation, several students take to twitter to voice their support and pleasure for this move by DAAD. A tweet from a student goes as follows:

“A timely support! Duly appreciated! We hope this will bring light to the uncertainties faced by the countries affected. We urge the Consulates to resume visa application processing and expedite the process.”

This clearly shows that students eagerly awaiting their visa application procedures are happy with this bold statement and move by DAAD. They are also expectant about the results and at the edge of their seats to hear a response from the MFA.

During March of 2020, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs fell under pressure to close off its visa centres, consulates, and embassies. Consequently, students hailing from third countries find themselves unable to begin their University courses in Germany.

Most students are eagerly awaiting the commencement, and the closure of the visa centres and embassies bring about a halt to the entire process.

This is bringing about a genuine risk to their education. If they cannot process and procure their visas on time, they may be unable to start their education from these Universities in Germany. It is understandable that these students are facing extreme fear and worry regarding their futures.

Amit Kumar

FreeEducator.com blog is managed by Amit Kumar. He and his team come from the Oxford, Stanford and Harvard. At FreeEducator, we strive to create the best admission platform so that international students can go to the best universities - regardless of financial circumstances. By applying with us, international students get unlimited support and unbiased advice to secure the best college offers overseas.