China has still again not given any timeline for the return of international students, as an outcome, it has forced students to rethink their plans to study.
Medical students pursuing degrees in Chinese universities have still not received any positive response from the Chinese government concerning the temporary visa ban on immigrants. Medical students have now addressed the United Nations expecting positive development.
Petition Letter
Over 20,000 medical alum and undergraduate school students studying in universities in China, Japan, and Australia, international students signed a petition letter and requested the UN to intervene in the matter and help lift travel curbs, which has left thousands of students stranded in their home countries for the past one year.
According to students, due to lack of laboratory experiments, time zone differences, slow internet, lack of direct communication between teachers and students, and inferior electricity supply in several countries, it has become impossible to continue studies in online mode
Due to the prevailing travel restrictions amid the Covid-19 outbreak, the students are unable to pursue their education well. While medical students are coping with practical surgical sessions being held online, Ph.D. students are not able to access labs in their host countries and the language hindrance is getting poorer while studying online.
Some students have now started calling for a boycott on paying fees for the new semester on social media platforms due to the Chinese arbitrary and illogical response. Open polls on Twitter hint over 90% are in approval of such action.
The students have also shared via social media that they have written several emails and sent many letters in hard copy to various Chinese authorities but have not received any official update.
No clear date for the return of international students to China
Despite spending almost a year back home due to the Covid-19 forced lockdown around the world, students have no clear idea about going back to China, the latest statement released by the Chinese government gives no clear date on when the entry restriction for international students holding study visas ends.
On March 22, the Indian Embassy in Beijing also clarified that the recent visa facilitation announcement for immigrants visiting China does not apply to international students.
The official statement released by the embassy stated that authorities in china continue to hold their ground on account of last year’s declaration by the ministry of foreign affairs of the People’s Republic of China, to temporarily ban the entry of immigrants holding valid Chinese visa and residence permits amid the Covid 19 outbreak.
International medical students are concerned about their future. Most of the students want to withdraw their admission from China and resume their education elsewhere.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India mandates that Indian students finish the course from the institute they got admitted to.
Aside from theory, institutes are now holding practicals online.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) numbers reveal, China received about 500,000 international students, the third-highest in the world after the US and UK in 2018 -2019.
Official data reveals that in 2018, over 23,000 Indian students registered in various programs in China. Indians constitute the fourth-largest community of international students in China, following South Koreans, Thais, and Pakistanis.
Students urge to lift the travel curb
The students had urged the Chinese government to lift the travel limitation and allow them to return to resume their studies, stating they would follow all the COVID-19 protocols, including the required tests and quarantine procedures. These students have been coping with their education ever since the novel coronavirus hit the country.
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