This story is from February 27, 2022

Stranded with no visas, Afghan students fear for their education

With Panjab University reopening, the situation has worsened for Afghan students who are stranded in their strife-torn homeland due to non-issuance of visas. Offline classes started in the varsity from February 17, leaving Afghan students without recourse to online classes.
Stranded with no visas, Afghan students fear for their education
Poviet Kaur
Chandigarh: With Panjab University reopening, the situation has worsened for Afghan students who are stranded in their strife-torn homeland due to non-issuance of visas. Offline classes started in the varsity from February 17, leaving Afghan students without recourse to online classes. They are worried about their academics, attendance and their future, especially since there is no telling how long it might take to get visas.

Abdul Qahar, a final year student of PU’s University Business School (UBS) said, “Classes started from February 17 but since then I have not been able to attend online classes as only offline classes are being held. The embassy has not given us visas. Whenever we try to get in touch with the embassy or ICCR, they say they will issue it soon and that there are security issues. I hope university authorities understand our problem and provide a solution for the time being because we do not want to suffer academically. We have already suffered a lot here.”
A student suggested resumption of online classes for those stuck at home due to reasons beyond their control.
Sahar Noor, a student of applied management sciences from PU who is one of those stranded, said, “We do not know when visas will be issued as it is a diplomatic issue but I hope that my studies are not compromised. I request university authorities to consider our request and start online classes for students who are stuck in the same situation as me.”
Afghan students and members of the National Students Union of India submitted a memorandum saying that the university offering only offline classes had made things very difficult for Afghan students. They sought hybrid mode of education (offline and online) till the students could obtain visas.

Rahul Kumar, who went for the representation said, “Education teaches us about equality. Afghan students require our support at this time. They are not at fault and the university should not harass them. All arrangements should be made to help them.”
Abdul Munir Kakkar, president, Afghan Student Union said, “The DSW has assured us that all arrangements will be made for students and the issue will be escalated.”
Dean, international students, PU Deepti Gupta said, “We have already discussed the situation with various departments and will be providing study material to students for a month. After that, we will analyse the situation and take further steps. They are our students and we are equally worried about their studies and future.” Around 2,500 Afghan students are enrolled in various courses across India.
Dial 112 for info on city residents stranded in Ukraine
Chandigarh Administration has decided to use the Helpline number 112 to collect information of students and other persons from Chandigarh who are stranded in Ukraine, so that the information can be forwarded to authorities concerned.
Deputy commissioner (DC) Vinay Partap Singh said that family members of persons of UT Chandigarh who are stranded in Ukraine can provide information at helpline number 112, with details such as name of the person in Ukraine, father's name, passport number, name of the university /college/other in Ukraine. As much information as possible, including their address in Ukraine, should be shared. This helpline number 112 is operational 24 x 7.
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