Nearly 200 Indian Professionals, Students Stuck as Czech Republic Bans Travel from India

group of nearly 200 IT professionals, newcomers, research scholars among others, most with valid Czech Republic visas, are unable to join their employers in the European country amid India’s Covid-19 travel restrictions. The Czech Republic, however, has only allowed those who acquired visas after August 2 while others still await a response from the authorities. The Czech Embassy officials told News18.com, “conditions of entry into the Czech Republic are regulated by the Protective Measure of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic.” “According to the last update of the Protective Measure, a number of categories of travellers arriving from India can enter the Czech Republic, including holders of a long-term or permanent or temporary residence permit issued by the Czech authorities… professional athletes or persons representing countries internationally and holders of a long-term visa issued after August 2, 2021, provided that foreign nationals are authorized to enter into the territory of the Czech Republic,” the official stated. “Based on the updated Protective Measure the Czech Embassy is now authorized to accept visa applications for long-term visas and long-term residence permits for the purpose of study in accredited study programs at Czech universities in the academic year 2021-2022”. Shristi Verma, 25, from Uttar Pradesh, left her job in Hyderabad in April, for what she calls a “once in a lifetime offer” from a Czech-based company in June-end. Being the only breadwinner in her family, Verma now is surviving on her savings, which she says are drying up. “The government has allowed essential travel. To us, our job is essential. My retired parents and my college-going brother depend on me. With savings drying up amid a pandemic market, I don’t know what to do. Since I am yet to onboard my firm in Czech, I am not a full-time employee yet and with their offer in hand, I can’t rejoin my old firm or look for another job only to leave it when my ticket comes.” Srishti now wants the Indian government to hold talks with the Czech and have a clarity on the terms of her employment and visa status.