22nd March 2021
Ministry of Foreign Affairs China,
This letter is being written in response to recent notices posted online by various Chinese embassies. These notices concerned the ease of travel restrictions to China for travelers vaccinated with Chinese made vaccine, with the aim of “resuming people-to-people exchange”.
However, the notice did not mention any information regarding student visa holders. We were surprised by this and hope the remainder of this letter can highlight why we found this to be of paramount concern.
Firstly, we are extremely grateful to receive an update regarding international travel. It has and still remains to be, a topic of great interest to people who have a major stake in traveling to China.
Any decisions or updates released by the government regarding students, would either require prior communication with universities, or influence these academic institutions to take relevant steps in accordance with these decisions or updates. Unfortunately, there has been a noticeable lack of information shared with students over the past year regarding key issues, such as possible return dates and curriculum readjustments. We believe this could be the result of a lack of attention and/or communication between the government and the universities, who are unable to provide any information on these crucial issues.
Additionally, when asked about the vaccination policy extending to students by Prasar Bharati, Spokesperson LijianZhao advised to enquire with the individual Chinese Embassy.Therefore, it is unclear with whom the responsibility lies for facilitating visa issuance and safe plans for return of students.
Return dates are of importance to all students, especially university students in their graduation year and those doing practical based majors. Additionally, graduating students are worried and uncertain of the value of their degrees, given that final exams have
traditionally been written on campus. Concerning curriculum readjustments, we are trying to draw attention to students whose majors involve practical work either in laboratories or in a workshop setting.Despite the great aid online classes have provided for the continuation of learning during these tough times, they are unable to integrate practical learning, with the technology available today.
We understand that viable solutions to these issues, require both time and careful planning from individuals invested in solving these problems.Fortunately, both of these assets are available to you. The next semester begins between July and August. This leaves a luxurious 4 months to collaborate with students and teachers, from various universities, to ensure the safe return of international students and the subsequent implementation of health measures to be followed on campus.
The students of today will be the backbone of the economy tomorrow, this is true for both China and the rest of the world. With that said, we humbly request that you communicate with universities on the issues discussed in this letter. We would also ask you to shed some light on the status of student return plans, in future travel notices.
Thanks for your understanding, in anticipation to your favorable reply.
Yours Faithfully,
CISU
China International Student Union
Join Community of China International Students on:
Instagram @takeusbacktochn (China International Student Union)
Twitter @takeusbacktochn (China International Student Union)
YouTube @takeusbacktochina (China International Student Union)
TikTok @takeusbacktochina (China International Student Union)
China International Student Union 