Foreign countries easing visa norms for Indian students

Several countries are easing their travel restrictions for Indian students and more countries are expected to do the same with improving pandemic conditions.

Many countries including Canada, the USA, Ireland, the UK, Georgia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Taiwan are easing travel restrictions for Indian students.

During the devastating second wave in India, many countries had imposed travel restrictions for Indians. However, the Indian government has been making efforts since then so that Indian students can enrol in foreign universities. The easing of these restrictions will bring relief to students who have enrolled in foreign countries.

On Monday, the United States Mission in India announced that its embassy and consulates have approved a high number of student visa applicants in 2021. Now, more than 55,000 students and exchange visitors would be able to study in the US.

Business Today quoted Ambassador Atul Keshap, Chargé d'Affaires, US Embassy, New Delhi, "Studying in the United States is a unique and often life-changing experience for Indian students, granting fresh, global perspectives and frequently leading to invaluable career opportunities. Indian students also enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between our countries. The many hard-working women and men of the US Mission to India are proud to facilitate their travel and study."

Indian students enrolled in foreign universities are still facing many hurdles. Some of them are struggling to get into Canada. The Liberals brought the flight ban from India to Canada, which is in effect since April 22. Some students had booked quarantine hotels which are now not required and now the students are trying to get their money back. Some others paid for flights which can't take off. Indian students are also reaching Canada via a third country, which is stressful and time-consuming and can prove to be even more dangerous.

In the UK, the Indian students and other international students may receive the vaccine quicker than their home country as international student vaccine is a priority in the UK. Moreover, for the international students who need to quarantine in hotel accommodation, several UK universities have announced reimbursing the 10-day hotel quarantine and testing cost.

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