Afghanistan’s women abroad at risk of expulsion due to Visa and Funding Cuts, warns Human Rights Expert
Afghanistan’s women studying abroad face expulsion risks as financial support and visas are cut, warns Dr. Ochab in Forbes.
In a recent article published in Forbes, Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, an international lawyer and advocate for human rights, highlighted the critical situation faced by Afghan women following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. According to Ochab, these women are subjected to harsh and discriminatory laws that continue to threaten their freedoms and opportunities.
Dr. Ochab pointed out that many Afghanistan’s women who are currently studying abroad on scholarships are now facing the risk of expulsion due to the termination of financial support and visa restrictions. The situation has worsened as foreign governments, including the United States, have canceled a significant number of visas for Afghanistan refugees, many of whom are women.
In her article, Dr. Ochab emphasized that in January 2025 alone, the United States revoked visas for over 1,660 Afghanistan refugees, with a considerable number being women who were already facing severe challenges under the Taliban regime. This move has left many vulnerable Afghanistan women with no options but to return to a country where their rights are severely restricted.
The situation for Afghanistan women studying abroad on scholarships under the “WSE” program is also dire. Dr. Ochab revealed that more than 80 women, currently studying in Oman under this program, are facing the imminent cancellation of their scholarships. The U.S. State Department confirmed that funding for these scholarships would cease by June 30, 2025.
Under Taliban rule, Afghanistan women are subjected to numerous restrictions, including being banned from education, work, travel, and participating in public life. Dr. Ochab described these measures as a form of gender apartheid that should be recognized and condemned globally.
In response to the growing crisis, Dr. Ochab called on the international community to sever diplomatic and economic ties with the Taliban regime. She urged for immediate action to protect the rights of women and provide support for those at risk of being forced back into Afghanistan.
Dr. Ochab’s warning underscores the precarious situation Afghanistan women face as a result of the Taliban’s policies. International support is crucial to ensure their safety and access to opportunities abroad. The international community must step up efforts to support Afghanistan women and hold the Taliban accountable for their oppressive actions.
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