Chinese Embassy in UK Issues Safety Reminders for Incoming Students
LONDON, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) – With the start of the academic year approachingin the UK, the Chinese Embassy in London has issued safety reminders to Chinese students studying in the country.
The embassy’s advisory, issued on August29, covers a range of topics, from entry procedures to everyday life concerns.
Entry Procedures
The embassy highlighted the upcoming strike byborder control staff at Heathrow Airport, scheduled from August 31 to September 22. This strike, organized by the Public and Commercial Services Union, could potentially impact the processing time for immigration procedures. Students are advised to prepare accordingly andallow for additional time at the airport.
The embassy also reminded students to ensure they have valid passports, UK visas, and other necessary documents. They should carefully check the validity dates of their visas and keep their passports safe.
Students areurged to avoid carrying prohibited items and to be cautious when bringing restricted items into the UK. They can find a detailed list of prohibited and restricted goods on the UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/banned-and-restricted-goods.
The embassy also cautioned students about the UK’s cash declaration requirements. Anyone carrying more than £10,000 in cash (including bearer bonds and traveler’schecks) upon entering England, Scotland, or Wales, whether individually or as a family, must declare it to UK Customs. Failure to do so could result in a £5,000 fine and other penalties.
The embassy acknowledged recent incidents where Chinese citizens have been subjected to additional checks at the UK border.The embassy has already raised concerns about these incidents with the UK authorities. Students are advised to remain calm if they are subjected to additional checks, provide truthful information, and present supporting documents to facilitate smooth passage. If they encounter unfair treatment, they are encouraged to gather evidence and report the incident to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate forassistance in upholding their rights.
Living in the UK
Accommodation:
The embassy advised students to carefully research potential accommodation options. The website www.police.uk allows users to input the postcode of a property to access information about crime rates in the area. Students are encouraged to avoid high-crime areasand to travel in groups.
The embassy also warned against rental scams, noting that rental fraud targeting students has resulted in losses exceeding £4,270,255 according to recent data from the UK’s anti-fraud agency. Scammers often target students seeking university accommodation, requesting upfront payments without allowingthem to view the property in person.
Healthcare:
The embassy reminded students that they are entitled to free healthcare services through the National Health Service (NHS) as they have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge during their visa application process.
Students are advised to register with a local General Practitioner (GP) as soonas possible. This will allow them to access healthcare services when needed. The registration process can be completed online at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/.
For urgent medical needs, students should dial 111 or 999. The 111 service is for non-life-threatening situations requiring immediate medical attention. More information about the 111 service canbe found at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care/.
General Safety Tips:
The embassy also provided general safety tips, urging students to beaware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and report any suspicious activity to the police. They should be cautious about sharing personal information online and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
The embassy stressed the importance of staying informed about local news and weather conditions. Students are encouraged to download the UK government’s officialemergency alert app for timely updates on emergencies and severe weather events.
The embassy concluded its advisory by emphasizing the importance of staying safe and enjoying their studies in the UK. They encouraged students to reach out to the embassy or consulate for assistance if they encounter any difficulties.
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