Afghan Youth Navigate Complexities of Educational Visa Process Amid Rising Companies

As the number of educational visa companies in Afghanistan rises, young people share their experiences of both success and failure in obtaining visas. Some have paid hefty fees, yet remain without visas.

Challenges Faced by Afghan Youth in Securing Educational Visas

With the process of obtaining visas becoming increasingly challenging for Afghans, the number of companies offering university admission and educational visa services has also grown. Some young people highlight their successes, while others express frustration over wasted money and failed applications.

Young People’s Experiences with Visa Companies

In recent years, particularly following the Taliban’s return to power, acquiring visas to many countries has become notably more difficult. Despite this, a number of Afghan youth have successfully secured educational visas through these companies, while others report financial losses. One young individual, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that after incurring significant expenses and exerting considerable effort, they managed to obtain a visa for studying civil engineering in Iran.

Conversely, Hikmatullah from the Achin district of Nangarhar province stated that he signed a contract with one of these companies but has yet to receive a visa. He pointed out that these firms often operate on a commercial basis, prioritizing their own profits over their clients’ needs.

Statements from Visa Company Officials

In response, officials from some of these companies claim they have successfully issued educational visas to a large number of Afghan students. Ramesh Anwari, an official, stated that they have secured visas for hundreds of students and actively maintain transparency throughout the process. Another official, Syed Maseeh Sadat, added that over the past two and a half years, Turkey has issued the majority of these visas.

Requirements for Obtaining Educational Visas

Company officials emphasize that the process for obtaining educational visas typically takes three to six months, with costs varying based on the destination country, university, and level of education. They also noted that the companies do not have the authority to issue visas themselves; rather, they assist with admissions and document preparation.

Moreover, Afghan youth also have the option to pursue studies abroad through scholarships and government agencies. However, the process of obtaining a visa has become more complicated since 2021 due to existing restrictions.