Indian Expats in China Raise Visa, Social Media Issues at Embassy Event

At the Indian Embassy's first Open House event in years, held Friday in Beijing, Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami fielded concerns from the Indian community about a surge in abusive anti-India social media content, a decline in work visas for professionals, and persistent employment restrictions for spouses.

The event, which drew a cross-section of the diaspora, provided a platform for attendees to voice grievances that have been building as bilateral ties remain strained. Several participants highlighted the growing vitriol on Chinese social media platforms targeting India, which they said has created a hostile online environment.

Others pointed to a noticeable drop in the issuance of work visas for Indian professionals, a trend that has complicated career plans and business operations. Spouses of visa holders also raised the ongoing challenge of securing work permits, a long-standing issue that limits their ability to contribute financially.

Ambassador Doraiswami, who took note of the concerns, did not offer immediate solutions but assured the community that their feedback would be taken seriously. The Open House marked a rare direct engagement between the embassy and the diaspora, signaling a renewed effort to address community issues.

The meeting comes amid broader diplomatic friction between India and China, with visa policies and social media tensions reflecting the wider bilateral strain. The diaspora's ability to raise these issues openly underscores the importance of such forums for maintaining a connection with the homeland.