Indian students enrolled in EU universities stranded back home due to travel ban
Hundreds of Indian students enrolled in European universities are stranded in India since the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country as air travel to European countries is still banned.
Many students like Divya Sinha, who received a scholarship from the European Union (EU) to study in University of Barcelona, Spain, under the Erasmus Mundus Mobility Programme in April, have been stuck in India due to the travel ban imposed by European countries on at least 18 nations (including India, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, Brazil, Zambia, Malawi, Peru, Colombia, and more). These students, who make up of more than 50 per cent of the class strength, risk missing enrolment and scholarships to their courses.
Divya said, “If the EU does not ease travel restrictions, I may lose scholarship as there is no provision of deferring the grant. Though France has allowed the entry of international travellers who have received Covishield into the country, countries like Spain have extended travel ban thrice since April. The travel ban in Spain is up till July 24, but it is hard to predict if it will actually be lifted this time as well.”
She went on to add, “We have started a petition with the hashtag ‘StudyIsEssential’ wherein we have requested Spanish embassy to grant visas to Indian students and employees.”
Echoing similar concerns, Rankeshwarnath Sanjay from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, who has enrolled in a programme in University of Padua, Italy, said, “I cannot go to Italy as the country has imposed travel restrictions. They first imposed it in April and now it has been extended till July 30. I am fully vaccinated and requested the Italian embassy in Delhi to start accepting study visa applications as the process has already started in other cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. My course is starting on September 15 and the university wants us to attend physical classes. If they do not start visa application now, it will create problems later.”
Lakshminaryana Sharma from Balotra near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, who has enrolled in PSRS (Photonics for Security, Reliability and Safety) programme in Jean Monnet University, Saint-Étienne, France, said, “Though France has started opening its borders for visitors, many restrictions are still in place. I have got two doses of Covaxin, but it is not accepted by France as it is not WHO approved. Though France has allowed international travellers, who have had Covishield vaccine, into the country, it is not allowing students at present. My doctor has advised me not to go for any other vaccine for six months, so I cannot even take Covishield. The Embassy of France in India has started accepting student visa applications, but they are yet to start issuing it. I am just waiting for my visa now.”
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