More than 80 Afghan women studying in Oman face deportation after their USAID scholarships were terminated due to a funding freeze. This has prompted fears for their safety, as Taliban rule in Afghanistan imposes severe restrictions on women. The students seek urgent intervention from the international community to avoid returning to a repressive regime.

Over 80 Afghan women who escaped the Taliban to pursue higher education in Oman now face imminent deportation back to Afghanistan following the abrupt termination of their US-funded scholarships. These women were part of the Women’s Scholarship Endowment (WSE) program, which was initially funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The funding freeze was enacted under the Trump administration as part of broader budget cuts, leading to this distressing situation.

The affected students received notification last week that their scholarships had been discontinued. This shocking news has left many in despair, with one student stating, “It was heartbreaking. Everyone was shocked and crying. We’ve been told we will be sent back within two weeks.” Many of these women fear for their personal safety should they be returned to Afghanistan, where the Taliban has enforced stringent restrictions on women’s rights since regaining control nearly four years ago.

The Taliban’s oppressive policies, including a ban on women’s access to universities and employment, profoundly threaten the future of these students. Many of them fled from Pakistan after a lengthy wait and were studying graduate and post-graduate programs in STEM fields, which are effectively barred for women under the current regime. They had secured their scholarships before the Taliban takeover and were relocated to Oman with support from USAID.

Emails obtained by the BBC confirm the termination of these scholarships, highlighting the disappointment and concern among the students regarding possible travel back to Afghanistan. The Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze has faced various legal challenges; however, it has already prompted the suspension of thousands of humanitarian programs globally, with the White House defending the cuts in the interest of government efficiency.

The urgency of the situation has led the Afghan students to appeal for immediate international intervention to secure financial assistance and resettlement. One student remarked, “When we arrived, our sponsors told us not to return to Afghanistan until 2028 because it was unsafe. And now they’re telling us to go back.” With reports of harsh crackdowns on women protesting for their rights, the environment in Afghanistan poses significant risks, contributing to their fears of deportation.

Despite the looming threats, the US State Department has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the situation. Moreover, the media contact page for USAID remains offline, offering little clarity as the deadline for deportation proceedings approaches, leaving the Afghan women’s futures in a perilous state.

In conclusion, over 80 Afghan women are facing deportation from Oman back to Afghanistan following the termination of their USAID-funded scholarships. This decision follows a wider foreign aid freeze and reflects the dire circumstances under Taliban rule. As they plead for international assistance and resettlement, these women are at a significant risk due to the oppressive policies that have been imposed since the Taliban’s return to power. Their future remains uncertain, and immediate attention from the global community is critical.

Original Source: www.azernews.az

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