Over 80 Afghan female students studying in Oman are at risk of expulsion after the U.S. government suspended financial aid. These students, enrolled at Middle East College in Muscat, had secured scholarships through the Women’s Scholarship Foundation (WSA). With the sudden termination of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding, their education is now in jeopardy.
Students Barred from Classes and Facing Deportation
The affected students reported that they have been banned from attending classes. Without financial aid, they are unable to cover tuition and living expenses. The risk of deportation looms over them as they struggle to find a solution. If forced to return to Afghanistan, they will face severe restrictions under Taliban rule.
In a letter addressed to international organizations, the students expressed deep concerns about their safety. They urged the U.S. Embassy and the global community to intervene before it is too late. Taliban’s Ban on Female Education Raises Alarming Concerns
Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed strict restrictions on women’s education. Girls above the sixth grade are not allowed to attend school. Universities remain closed to female students, and professional opportunities have been stripped away.
For these Afghan students in Oman, deportation means losing their education and future. Many of them fled Afghanistan to continue their studies. Now, they fear returning to a country where their rights are denied.
U.S. Policy Change Triggers Aid Suspension
The aid suspension follows a policy shift under the administration of President Donald Trump. The U.S. government announced a review of all foreign aid programs, leading to an immediate freeze in funding. This decision has impacted USAID’s operations worldwide, halting essential humanitarian services.
The cut in aid has not only affected Afghan students but also disrupted food, medical, and educational programs globally. Experts warn that vulnerable communities will suffer the most from this sudden shift.
Calls for Urgent International Support
Advocates and human rights organizations are urging urgent action. They call on the U.S. government to reinstate the scholarships and allow these students to continue their education.
“We cannot abandon these young women,” said a spokesperson from an international education rights group. “Their future, safety, and Afghanistan’s progress depend on their ability to learn and contribute to society.”
The students have also appealed to universities, private donors, and governments to step in. They hope to secure alternative scholarships or funding to avoid deportation.
Education is a Lifeline, Not a Privilege
For these Afghan women, education is more than a personal ambition. It represents hope for a better future for themselves and their country. Their dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, and leaders now hang in the balance.
The international community must act swiftly. Without immediate intervention, over 80 young women will be forced into a life of oppression and lost opportunities. The world cannot afford to turn its back on them.
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