Struggles and Successes: Afghan Youth Navigate Study Visa Challenges

As the number of companies offering study visas in Afghanistan rises, young people share their experiences of success and failure in obtaining these visas. Some have paid substantial fees yet still haven’t secured their visas.

Challenges Faced by Afghan Youth Regarding Study Visas

The process of obtaining visas for Afghans has become increasingly difficult, leading to a proliferation of companies offering university admission and study visa services. While some young people highlight their successes in this area, others express their frustrations over lost money and failed attempts.

Claims by Youth Regarding Visa Companies

In recent years, particularly following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, acquiring visas to many countries has become more challenging. Amidst this backdrop, some Afghan youth have successfully obtained study visas through these companies, while others report financial losses. One young man, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that after paying fees and putting in significant effort, he managed to secure a visa to study civil engineering in Iran.

Conversely, Hikmatullah from the Achin district of Nangarhar province mentioned that despite signing a contract with one of these companies, he has yet to receive his visa. He pointed out that these companies often prioritize commercial interests over those of the applicants.

Reactions from Visa Company Officials

In contrast, representatives from several of these companies claim to have issued study visas to numerous Afghan students. Ramesh Anwari, one of the officials, noted that they have facilitated visas for hundreds of students and are committed to transparency in their processes. Another official, Syed Masi Sadat, highlighted that the majority of visas in the past two and a half years have been issued from Turkey.

Conditions for Obtaining Study Visas

The company officials emphasize that the visa application process typically takes between three to six months, with costs varying based on the country, university, and level of education. They also clarified that the companies themselves do not have the authority to issue visas, but merely assist in the admission and documentation preparation stages.

Afghan youth may also pursue studies abroad through scholarships and government institutions. However, despite these opportunities, the visa application process has become more complex since 2021 due to existing restrictions.