Over 80 Afghan female students in Oman at risk of expulsion due to US Aid Suspension
82 Afghan female students in Oman face expulsion and forced return to Afghanistan due to the suspension of U.S. aid and scholarships from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
These girls, who had transferred to the “Middle East College” in Muscat in late 2024 with the support of the Women’s Scholarship Foundation (WSA), said that due to the recent policy changes of the U.S. government, their financial support has been cut, and they are now facing the threat of deportation.
In their letter, the students emphasized that if they are forced to return to Afghanistan, their lives and education would be at great risk due to the severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban on girls’ education and the security threats they would face. They urgently called for assistance from the U.S. Embassy to find ways to ensure their safety and continue their education.
These students also appealed to the international community, especially the United States, to take their situation seriously and prevent their forced return to Afghanistan. They believe that their education is not only beneficial for their personal growth but, as future representatives of Afghanistan, it holds significant importance for the stability and progress of their country.
The U.S. government, under the leadership of Donald Trump, announced that this aid would be suspended until a thorough review and evaluation of its alignment with new U.S. policies.
This order led to the halt of operations by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) worldwide, which disrupted the delivery of vital services such as food, medical assistance, and humanitarian aid around the globe.
These Afghan female students are facing a critical and life-altering situation. The suspension of U.S. aid and scholarships has left them vulnerable to expulsion, and their futures in Afghanistan are uncertain due to the Taliban’s restrictions on female education. Their call for immediate assistance highlights the urgency of addressing the impact of changing policies on vulnerable groups.
The international community must respond with empathy and support, ensuring that these students can continue their education safely. By doing so, they can contribute to the future of Afghanistan and help foster the country’s growth and stability. Education remains a fundamental right, and efforts must be made to ensure these young women are not denied the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
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