S. Jaishankar, Indian External Affairs Minister said that he had requested New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden and Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta to be sympathetic towards Indian students affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jaishankar made this statement during his interaction with the Indian community on his visit to the country to inaugurate a new Indian High Commission Chancery in Wellington. Mahuta described India as one of the most important partners of New Zealand.
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Indian students form the second-largest community in New Zealand pursuing disciplines like natural science, technology, engineering, hospitality and others. He talked about students who had to leave the country during the pandemic and did not get a chance to renew their visas.
He also noted that although everyone had a difficult time during Covid, students were worst hit by the situation. Therefore he urged both the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to understand the condition of students who enter New Zealand and he was assured of a positive response.
Mahuta gave the undertaking to register the concerns and convey them to the immigration minister.
He is optimistic to witness some progress regarding this issue. Jaishankar also emphasised to Mahuta the speed up the issuance of visas for Indian students who are waiting to enter the country.
He raised the topic of direct air connectivity between India and New Zealand which he assured will be taken care of.
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The two representatives also discussed the mobility of professionals and Jaishankar pointed out that the demands of New Zealand can be met outside of India.
Source: The Times of India, Hindustan Times
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