India has raised with the US, the UK,
Australia
and several European countries the need to expedite and “streamline” student visa appointments following complaints from across the country about delay in processing of such visas. India is learnt to have conveyed to these countries that fast-tracking the process, while ensuring predictability and a “communication strategy” with students, will also have a positive impact on bilateral ties.
“Senior
MEA
officials dealing with Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, UK and USA had constructive discussions with corresponding Heads of missions/senior diplomats of these countries about streamlining student visas to Indian nationals,” tweeted MEA spokesperson
Arindam Bagchi
. “They agreed to remain engaged on further easing and fast-tracking the process, since the flow of students has been mutually beneficial,” he added.
Thousands of Indian students are struggling to return to these countries to join offline classes as there have been enormous delays in processing of their visas by the respective embassies, people familiar with the matter said. Sources also described the talks as constructive.
