Afghan women students in Oman face imminent deportation after the Trump administration’s freeze on USAID funding, which has terminated their scholarships. The Taliban’s restrictions on women’s education exacerbate their plight, leaving them in a precarious situation as they seek urgent international assistance amidst fears of returning to Afghanistan.

More than 80 Afghan women who fled the Taliban to pursue higher education in Oman now confront imminent deportation after the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid programs. Scholarships previously funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were abruptly terminated following the funding freeze initiated by President Donald Trump in January. Students expressed distress over this decision, with one stating, “It was heart-breaking,” highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by many.

The situation for Afghan women has drastically worsened since the Taliban regained power, implementing severe restrictions on their rights, including barring them from universities. USAID funding had allowed numerous Afghan women to seek education abroad or continue online learning, but this aid is now largely suspended. Legal challenges have arisen against the aid freeze, but many humanitarian programs face significant jeopardy as the administration looks to cut government expenditure.

Efforts are reportedly underway to prepare the students for a return to Afghanistan, prompting them to appeal to the international community for urgent intervention. Emails sent to the students indicate their scholarships have been “discontinued” and outline plans for their travel back to Afghanistan, which has caused alarm among them. Affected students are seeking immediate support, stating, “We need immediate protection, financial assistance and resettlement opportunities to a safe country where we can continue our education.” The USAID’s media contact page is currently offline, and inquiries to the U.S. State Department remain unanswered.

The Afghan women, who had been studying under the Women’s Scholarship Endowment (WSE) program since 2018, were actively pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—fields prohibited for women by the Taliban. Describing their circumstances, one student mentioned, “It’s like everything has been taken away from me,” showcasing the overwhelming stress they now face.

These women had qualified for scholarships before the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan, many continuing their studies until December 2022 when higher education for women was banned. After a perilous escape to Pakistan, USAID facilitated their visas to Oman, where they arrived between late 2022 and early 2023. One student warned of dire consequences upon their return, stating, “We will face severe consequences. It would mean losing all our dreams.”

The Taliban continue to impose harsh restrictions on women’s rights and education, suppressing protests through violence and intimidation. One student described the current situation as “gender apartheid,” where women in Afghanistan are systematically denied basic rights. Despite claims by the Taliban of an attempt to resolve women’s education issues, their actions reflect adherence to stringent interpretations of Islamic Sharia law.

The students were originally told to remain outside Afghanistan until 2028 for their safety. The White House has shifted blame for the precarious situation of Afghan women, with Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly citing the U.S. military’s withdrawal as a contributing factor. With the future of these women hanging in the balance, they seek a lifeline as time runs short before potential deportation.

Over 80 Afghan women students in Oman find themselves at risk of deportation due to a funding freeze on U.S. foreign aid programs under the Trump administration. These women, who fled the Taliban to pursue higher education, have seen their scholarships terminated, jeopardizing their education and safety. As they appeal for international assistance, the urgency of their situation underscores the dire consequences of current governmental policies on humanitarian aid and women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk

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