DU College associations demand support for Afghan students on visa extension, financial constraints

Delhi University college associations have come together and have urged the DU and other universities in the country to take immediate action and provide maximum assistance to all Afghan students.

Women's development cell of Miranda House, Gargi College, Hindu College, Jesus and Mary College and other prominent colleges have been joined by Jamia Millia Islamia in urging the universities to help Afghan students studying at their campuses.

Around 200 Afghan students are studying at the University of Delhi in various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Those students who are currently in Afghanistan and had been attending online classes are now finding it difficult to travel to India. The students who are still in India are afraid, not only for their families back home but also due to the prospect of their visas expiring soon.
There has been no official communication from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Ministry of External Affairs on visa validity.

Looking at the hostile situation in Afghanistan and students caught there and who are in India, the Delhi University administration conducted a meeting on August 19 with Afghan students to assure support on visa extension, financial constraints, hostel accommodation and ICCR scholarship.

The students expressed their concerns and issues pertaining to the current situation in Afghanistan and their consequent woes.

The University's registrar, Vikas Gupta had expressed solidarity and discussed the aforementioned issues, while the Delhi University Vice-Chancellor PC Joshi assured assistance and aid in every possible manner. However, as of yet the students have received none of the assistance that had been promised during the meeting.

Afghan students expressing their concern have stated that people on student visas cannot work in India. Once their visas expire, they will find it difficult to stay in India. These students don't want to return [to Afghanistan].
Some of them have taken a flight to India from Afghanistan to escape from the Taliban. Women students are scared as they cannot be outside their country without a man accompanying them. “We hope to get help from India,” said a student.

Various students and other associations at DU colleges have urged that the university administration, of not only the University of Delhi but all Indian universities with Afghan students, assist Afghan students with visa extensions, family migration, economic assistance - such as providing scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) - give them permission to work in India, notwithstanding the fact that they are currently on a scholar visa; allow them to return to campus - many of them had been studying online - and launching a helpline for Afghan students.

We urge our universities, government and nation to welcome Afghan students with warm hearts and open hands.

Read More:

• DU Admissions 2021: We plan to operate in both online and offline mode, says PGDAV College Principal
• DU Standing Committee approves NEP from 2022; DUTA to hold strike
• Central University of Haryana to start three new M.Tech Courses