Indians in China Raise Visa, Social Media Concerns

Indians in China raised concerns at an Indian Embassy Open House in Beijing on Friday over anti-India content on Chinese social media, declining work visas and consular issues, The Indian Express.

The outreach was described as the first Indian Embassy Open House in recent years. Indian Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami, Counsellor for Consular, Education and Community Affairs Nitinjeet Singh and Counsellor for Visa Ramesh Singh met Indians working in various sectors in Beijing to discuss issues affecting the community.

Participants cited an increase in abusive content against Indians, including references to Indian culture and food habits, on Chinese social media platforms. They also raised concerns about a decline in job visas for Indian professionals, restrictions on employment for spouses and difficulties related to consular services.

Doraiswami said the Chinese government was concerned about the rise in anti-India content on its social media platforms and was taking steps to address it. He said the embassy was countering misinformation by sharing fact-based information through its own handles and planned more cultural events to showcase India’s culture and cuisine after strong responses to programmes such as the Vasant Mela.

Doraiswami also said the embassy was working to build and maintain a support chain of legal professionals to help Indians facing work-related issues. He said the mission would further simplify documentation for Chinese nationals seeking Indian visas starting next week to facilitate more travel to India, and would hold Open House interactions at regular intervals.