SURPRISING APPROCHING BY PEPPERCORN LTD BY NOT REFUNDING MONEY

Indian Students Seek Refund After Visa Rejection: Peppercorn Ltd Faces Legal Action in Malta

Valletta/Hyderabad:
In a troubling incident that has raised concerns about student safety and financial accountability, eighteen Indian students who had applied for admission to the prestigious University of Malta are facing serious financial distress after a Malta-based accommodation company, Peppercorn Ltd, allegedly failed to refund their advance payments following visa rejections.

Malta, a reputed European nation located near Italy, has become a growing destination for international education, particularly among Indian students. Every year, dozens of students choose the University of Malta for its globally recognized programs. As part of the visa application process, students are required to furnish proof of accommodation before approval is granted.

According to reports, these eighteen Indian students had each paid €4,000 as an advance to Peppercorn Ltd to secure their stay during their academic program. The total payment, amounting to €72,000, or nearly ₹74 lakh, was made in good faith to facilitate the visa process. However, when their visa applications were unexpectedly rejected, the students requested a refund of the advance amount, as is customary practice in such cases.

To their dismay, the students claim that Peppercorn Ltd has not refunded the money, despite repeated requests and assurances. Sources say that the company has been unresponsive to several communications, forcing the affected students to explore legal options. Legal notices have reportedly been served to the company, demanding repayment of the full amount.

“The students followed all legal procedures and paid the advance amount to fulfill the visa requirements. When the visas were denied, it was expected that the accommodation provider would return the money, as the service was never availed. But Peppercorn Ltd has not taken any action so far,” said a source familiar with the issue.

The incident has sparked outrage among parents and education consultants, who argue that such practices could damage Malta’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination for international education. They fear that future students may hesitate to apply to Maltese universities if financial disputes of this nature are not resolved promptly and fairly.

Education experts have urged the High Commission of Malta to intervene and ensure that the affected students receive justice. “This is not just about one company. It is about protecting Malta’s credibility and ensuring that international students are treated fairly,” said an education consultant based in Hyderabad.

The students have appealed to both Indian authorities and the Maltese government for assistance in recovering their funds. They have also expressed hope that the University of Malta and other educational institutions will take note of the situation and introduce safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.

If the issue remains unresolved, observers warn that it could create a chilling effect on student mobility and harm Malta’s growing education sector. As of now, the victims continue to await a fair resolution and the return of their hard-earned money.