Exempt Afghan women from the study-visa suspension and reinstate routes to study

Background

Create an immediate exemption to the current suspension of study visas for Afghan nationals, so Afghan women and girls can obtain UK education visas (including university, foundation and English pathways) with appropriate safeguards, and publish clear guidance for applicants and institutions.

Additional details

The UK has paused study visas for Afghan citizens. We believe that this decision effectively shuts one of the last education routes for Afghan women and girls at a time when education inside Afghanistan is severely restricted. In our view, penalising genuine students because others may claim asylum for illegitimate reasons is disproportionate. We believe that the UK can protect border integrity without blocking women’s education, and that taking this action aligns with UK values on girls’ education and human rights.

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