Many Indian students in UK said they feel "unsafe" abroad and want to return back. (Representational Image)

Thousands of Indian students in the UK are taking desperate measures to go back to India as they feel "unsafe" abroad. They insist they want to go home as soon as possible as they will be "better looked" after in their homeland.

Varun Shah (name changed on request) has a valid visa till 2023. He said since classes are being carried out online after schools and universities were shut, he wants to go back to India.

"We want to come back to India because the UK government is not taking any serious action and we don't have money for accommodation and food. And in the coming days, situation in UK is going to be like Italy. If UK goes under a lockdown, we won't be able to go to India after March 31. Please help us we want to come back to our country," Varun told India Today TV.

Besides Varun, many other Indian students landed up at various airports in the UK wanting to go home. A handful of students from Gatwick airport went to the Indian High Commission demanding to be sent back to India. After almost two days of staying put in the Indian High Commission premises, they have been moved into a hotel accommodation with food facilities being provided by the High Commission.

Meanwhile, Indian Nationals Student Association has put together a team to "provide guidance and support to all students in the UK".

"We are getting queries linked to health, travel and accommodation and even loneliness. We are asking them to stay calm and not panic, pointing them to genuine sources of information too as currently a lot of misinformation is out there," Amit Tiwari, president of Indian Nationals Student Association (INSA) told India Today TV.

Many Indian students bought last-minute flight tickets despite reports that people could travel to India till March 22.

India has banned all international flights from March 18 till 31 amid a spurt in coronavirus cases. Despite the ban, however, some airlines allowed bookings for March 19-20. Many Indian students, who booked last-minute tickets, reached various airports in the UK and were stranded.

They were asked to get a permission letter from the Indian High Commission to board a flight to India.

"There are around 200-300 students stuck in London. We had our flight on March 21 from Heathrow airport in London. But according to Emirates, the Indian government has changed the rules at the last moment. So we asked them (airlines) if they received the letter from Indian government then why were they selling tickets. We have written to Emirates asking for a clarification," Varun said.

"Their reply is awaited," he added.

Ashwini Kumar, Managing Director of Bright Angles Travel, told India Today TV, "According to the advisory issued by the Emirates, they have allowed re-booking within 12 months from the date when the ticket was issued."

Kumar, however, warned that the travel advisories of the airlines are "changing fast".

Amit Tiwari, president of INSA, said, "We hope that the government will let flights into India soon as majority of our queries are related to when can the students return back to their families in India. There is also a fear factor in UK and a perception that currently India is a safer place to be due to lower number of fatalities."

Meanwhile, High Commissioner of India to UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam, in a letter, appealed to all Indians residing in the UK to stay calm.

"I appeal to all Indians to stay calm and follow the advisory issued by NHS to address the challenge of Covid-19. Let us remain prepared to fight the challenge and not panic. Please avoid non-essential travel. At the moment, flights to India stand temporarily suspended till 31st March. High Commission remains in touch with the Indian authorities concerned. We will keep you all updated about the resumption of flights. Please stay connected with us on social media for updates," the letter read.

With regards to those who might end up overstaying their visa because of the travel ban imposed by India, the High Commissioner, in her letter, said that the HCI is in constant touch with the Foreign Office over the issue.

"The Home Office is working urgently on guidance for Indians and those of other nationalities in the UK whose visas are due to expire but are currently unable to leave due to the impacts of Covid-19. While that work is ongoing, foreign nationals in the UK do not need to be concerned about their immigration status. No one will be unfairly penalised for events beyond their control as a result of Covid-19. We will be in touch as soon as we have more details. In the meantime, Indian nationals in the UK should continue to follow the advice of the NHS and Public Health England," the letter said.

Many Indian students, however, are planning to book tickets for April 1.

"It is advised that people should first wait for clarity on the lifting of travel ban by the Indian authorities before booking any tickets." HCI officials told India Today TV.

Also Read | Coronavirus outbreak: States impose lockdown in battle against Covid-19 | All you need to know Also Read | What is Janata Curfew: A curfew of the people, by the people, for the people to fight coronavirusAlso Watch | Will 'Janata Curfew' be a game-changer in battle against coronavirus?