Afghan Women Abroad Face Expulsion Risks Amid Visa and Funding Cuts
Afghan women studying abroad are at risk of expulsion due to cuts in financial support and visa restrictions, Khaama Press reported citing human rights expert Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab.
In a Forbes article, Dr. Ochab highlighted the dire situation for these women following the Taliban’s takeover, where discriminatory laws threaten their freedoms.
Many Afghan women currently on scholarships are facing expulsion as foreign governments, including the United States, have revoked numerous visas. In January 2025 alone, over 1,660 visas for Afghan refugees were canceled, significantly impacting women who already endure severe challenges under Taliban rule.
The “WSE” scholarship program, which has supported over 80 women studying in Oman, is also in jeopardy, with funding set to end by June 30, 2025. Under Taliban governance, women in Afghanistan face restrictions on education, work, and public life, effectively creating a form of gender apartheid.
Dr. Ochab urged the international community to sever ties with the Taliban and take immediate action to protect Afghan women’s rights. She emphasized the need for global support to ensure their safety and continued access to educational opportunities abroad. The precarious situation underscores the critical importance of international advocacy and accountability for the Taliban’s oppressive measures against women.
