Over 80 Afghan Women Face Deportation from Oman After USAID Funding Freeze

More than 80 Afghan women studying in Oman under a U.S.-funded scholarship program face imminent deportation to Afghanistan after their scholarships were abruptly terminated due to a freeze on foreign aid instituted by the Trump administration. The students, who fled Taliban rule to pursue higher education, received emails informing them of the cancellation of their scholarships funded by USAID, causing widespread panic among them. They are concerned about the Taliban's severe restrictions on women's rights, including bans on universities and employment, fearing for their safety if forced to return. Many of the women, in their 20s, had been studying STEM fields that are now inaccessible under Taliban control. The students are urgently appealing for international assistance to find safe resettlement opportunities where they can continue their education. As the situation develops, preparations for their deportation are reportedly already underway.