China on Monday said it is planning to allow a small number of foreign students with ''actual needs" who are stuck in their countries for about two years due to its COVID visa bans to return to the country, amid reports that Beijing has issued visas to some Pakistani students.
“On the basis of ensuring safety, it is coordinating arrangements for a small number of foreign students with actual needs to return to China in light of the changing international epidemic situation and the characteristics of the students’ majors,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here.
Pakistan has over 28,000 students stuck back home for about two years due to COVID-19 visa bans by Beijing.
China promised during the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month to “arrange” for the return of the Pakistani students.
