The Taliban on Wednesday banned more than 60 Afghan female students from leaving the country. They had received scholarships from Dubai and planned to study in Dubai.
Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder and chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, revealed that the group had planned to offer scholarships to Afghan students in December 2022.
The Taliban have prevented around 60 female students from traveling to Dubai to further their studies, according to a UAE billionaire.
Image source: AP File.
After months of hard work, my team at Al Habtoor Group and I have finally made this happen. I have been looking forward to the arrival of these students and hope that they will become an important part of our team. However, I cannot express my disappointment at this moment. This event is a great tragedy against humanity, education, equality and justice. We must not only pay attention to the fate of these students, but also consider the impact on their families and society. These students should have received a normal education and training, but now they are facing unimaginable difficulties. This is a great blasphemy to our society. I call on all relevant parties to take action to intervene, rescue and help these students. We can no longer stand by and do nothing. As a part of society, we have the responsibility and obligation to pay attention to and help those in need. I believe that as long as we unite and work together, we can help these students regain their confidence and courage and move forward.
He said that adequate preparations have been made for Afghan female students to study in well-known universities in the UAE, including admission, accommodation, transportation, medical insurance and other aspects.
According to Al Habtoor Group, the Afghan schoolgirls were scheduled to depart from Kabul Airport for Dubai on August 2023, 8, but they were not allowed to board the flight regardless of the presence of their "Mahram" (male relatives).
At the beginning of the process, 81 Afghan female students were selected to study at the University of Dubai, and 68 of them have been granted entry visas under the coordination of relevant departments. These students will continue their studies at the University of Dubai and Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
