Beijing: Signalling resumption of visas with India, Beijing announced a limited visa facilitation by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi. Explaining about the decision, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said today that to start with, “according to relevant Chinese laws and regulations as well as international practice”, the Chinese Embassy in India will issue biometric visas starting from December 10, 2021.
“This arrangement has been made in conformity to the international trend concerning visa and will improve the technological standard of visa issuance, and has to do with epidemic prevention and control protocols upon entry given the current development of COVID-19,” Wenbin said.
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He also stressed that China applies quarantine measures equally to all inbound travelers, including its own citizens, based on the evolving situation, realities on the ground and science-based assessment. “The travel of India’s necessary personnel to China has always been guaranteed,” he said.
Wenbin said the Chinese government also attaches high importance to the issue of foreign students coming to China for their studies.
“On the basis of ensuring safety amid COVID-19, we will consider in a coordinated manner arrangement for allowing foreign students to return to China for their studies. At the same time, we stand ready to work actively toward the healthy, safe and orderly cross-border flow of people on the basis of sound anti-epidemic protocols,” he said.
– global bihari bureau
