Washington: The Indian embassy in the US has opened a 24/7 hotline to assist Indian students arrested by the American authorities for alleged immigration rules violation.
As many as 129 Indians are among the 130 foreign students arrested for allegedly enrolling at a fake university to remain in the US, popularly known as the “pay-and-stay” university visa scam.
The two numbers – 202-322-1190 and 202-340-2590 – would be manned by senior embassy officials round the clock. The arrested students, their friends and family members can contact the embassy at cons3.washington@mea.gov.in.
The Indian embassy has appointed a nodal officer to handle and coordinate all issues related to helping Indian students.
Yesterday, India said it is monitoring the situation arising out of detention of Indian students closely and have impressed upon the US Government the need to address the situation at the earliest.
In response to media queries on the detention of Indian students, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, India has accorded highest priority to the detention of Indian students.
For queries and assistance related to the detention of Indian students in the US, please contact our special 24/7 helpline. pic.twitter.com/iorYgZ5cxX
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 2, 2019
Kumar said, Indian Mission and posts are ready to render all assistance to Indian students to deal with the emerging situation and has also involved Indian community organizations in reaching out to the students.
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Ms Kalinga