Explained: China’s relaxed visa norms, what they mean for Indian professionals

The Chinese embassy in India updated the visa policy with effect from June 13. Now, foreign nationals and their accompanying family members going to China for resumption of work in all fields are allowed to apply.

A worker wearing protective clothing and carrying a megaphone holds a sheet with a QR code for people waiting in line for Covid-19 tests at a testing site on the third day of mass testing for millions of residents in the Chaoyang district in Beijing. (AP)

After a two-year blanket ban, the Chinese embassy has updated its visa policy to allow Indian professionals and their families to return to China for resumption of all work in all areas. China has also decided to process applications of Indian students at Chinese universities who want to rejoin their courses.

How had China changed its visa policy?

In light of the rapid spread of Covid-19 throughout the world, China had decided to suspend entry into China for foreign nationals with visas or residence permits. China had decided to temporarily restrict non-Chinese nationals from a number of countries, including Bangladesh, Belgium, Ethiopia, France, India, Italy, Philippines, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

Chinese visa and/or residence permit holders (for work, personal matters, and reunion) were not permitted entry into China, even if they were still valid at the time of these announcements by Chinese embassies. Foreign nationals with APEC Business Travel Cards were also denied entry. Port visas, the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, and the Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tour groups from ASEAN countries were also suspended. But entry with diplomatic service had remained unaffected.

What was India’s stand on the visa ban?

Story continues below this ad

Vikram Misri, India’s former ambassador to China and current Deputy National Security Advisor had last year expressed “disappointment” over China’s refusal to allow the return of thousands of stranded Indian students, employees, and their families due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

China’s restrictions, he had then said, were an “unscientific approach” to a purely humanitarian issue. India had urged Beijing to adopt a “congenial stance”, saying continuation of the strict restrictions was putting the academic careers of thousands of Indian students in jeopardy. The restrictive visa policy by China had led to India suspending tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals in April 2022.

Also Read | Beijing warns of ‘explosive’ COVID outbreak as Shanghai begins mass testing

Just a few days ago, a group of Indian professionals based in China had requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to encourage Beijing to enable their stranded families to return.

What changes now?

The Chinese embassy in India updated the visa policy with effect from June 13. Now, foreign nationals and their accompanying family members going to China for resumption of work in all fields are allowed to apply. It permits family members of Chinese citizens and foreigners with Chinese permanent residence permit to go to China for family reunion or visiting relatives.

Story continues below this ad

With this announcement, Indians with Chinese spouses and numerous Chinese employees stranded in India due to China’s visa limitations are also relieved. Visas for tourism and private purposes, however, are still suspended, according to the Chinese embassy.

What does it mean for Indian students?

The new announcement has come as a relief for Indian students. According to some estimates, nearly 23,000 Indian students, most of them studying medicine in Chinese colleges, were stuck in India after returning home in December 2019. Around 12,000 Indian students, according to reports, had expressed a desire to return after the situation began appearing less threatening.

Newsletter | Click to get the day’s best explainers in your inbox

The visa announcement by China has raised hopes that previously restricted flights between the two countries will be resumed soon.

Story continues below this ad

In recent months, China has allowed students from countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, the Solomon Islands, and, most recently, Sri Lanka to return.

Priya Kumari Shukla

Priya Kumari Shukla is a Senior Copy Editor in the Indian Express (digital). She contributes to the UPSC Section of Indian Express (digital) and started niche initiatives such as UPSC Key, UPSC Ethics Simplified, and The 360° UPSC Debate. The UPSC Key aims to assist students and aspirants in their preparation for the Civil Services and other competitive examinations. It provides valuable guidance on effective strategies for reading and comprehending newspaper content. The 360° UPSC Debate tackles a topic from all perspectives after sorting through various publications. The chosen framework for the discussion is structured in a manner that encompasses both the arguments in favour and against the topic, ensuring comprehensive coverage of many perspectives. Prior to her involvement with the Indian Express, she had affiliations with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) as well as several coaching and edutech enterprises. In her prior professional experience, she was responsible for creating and refining material in various domains, including article composition and voiceover video production. She has written in-house books on many subjects, including modern India, ancient Indian history, internal security, international relations, and the Indian economy. She has more than eight years of expertise in the field of content writing. Priya holds a Master's degree in Electronic Science from the University of Pune as well as an Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious business schools in India. She is also an alumni of Jamia Milia Islamia University Residential Coaching Academy (RCA). Priya has made diligent efforts to engage in research endeavours, acquiring the necessary skills to effectively examine and synthesise facts and empirical evidence prior to presenting their perspective. Priya demonstrates a strong passion for reading, particularly in the genres of classical Hindi, English, Maithili, and Marathi novels and novellas. Additionally, she possessed the distinction of being a cricket player at the national level. Qualification, Degrees / other achievements: Master's degree in Electronic Science from University of Pune and Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta ... Read More

Men who opened fire outside actor Disha Patani’s home killed in encounter in Ghaziabad

Cities23 min ago

Two men belonging to the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar Gang were killed in an encounter in Ghaziabad, suspected to be involved in the firing outside Disha Patani's residence. The duo, identified as Ravindra and Arun, were wanted in multiple cases and were spotted by the police through CCTV footage. UP CM Yogi Adityanath had directed for a speedy investigation and strict action against the perpetrators.

View all shorts

More Explained

Explained Topography, climate change: Behind the heavy rain in Uttarakhand, Himachal