The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, has released a statement offering help to Indian students who are enrolled for studying abroad and presently stuck in India due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
These restrictions from countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, China, the UK and USA have resulted in mobility issues.
The MEA has requested the Indian students who are studying in foreign countries to send their details that clearly mentions a valid email ID and mobile number.
These details should be sent to OIA-II Division at emails: us.oia2@mea.gov.in and so1oia2@mea.gov.in
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, tweeted:
It is estimated that around 80,000 students who are enrolled in Australian universities are stuck in India.
The Australian government at thius stage doesn’t have a plan for international students as priority is given to citizens and permanent residents.
So, from 2020 Australian universities have urged their students stuck in India to use the online mode of study.
A student tweeted that this situation has let to being “mentally abused”.
“We are on a verge of mental breakdown. Im in depression, i am anxious, I am mentally sick now.”
Another student, tweeted:
“The precious years of our lives are ruined without any sort of confirmation from Australian Govt regarding when they will ease up their travel restrictions and let in.”
Komal who is also stuck in India for the last 1.5 year says that the “Australian government does not understand international students feelings.”
Kush Dhillon, an Indian student studying in Australia, tweeted thanks after reading this notice.
Indian students enrolled in other foreign universities too have taken to Twitter to thank this new initiative of the MEA.
It is also reported that Indian students who have received Covaxin or Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine are being asked to inoculate again as both of them are yet to be approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Scores of students currently enrolled in higher education institutes have paid international fees but are studying online from home.
These students have been feeling left out and eagerly waiting for the host countries to respond to their pleas.