Afghan students seek extension of visas

200 Afghan students are pursuing courses in Telangana

The chilling images of distressed Afghans clinging on to flights to leave their country have shocked people. Students from the troubled country who are pursuing various courses at universities in Telangana say that they are safe here. The thought of going back at this point of time is not entertained by either the students or their families. However, some of them are worried that they might have to return to an uncertain future in their country in a few weeks. Some of the Afghan students have reached the fag end of their academic courses and their visas are set to expire by end of August or this year. Md Yousaf, president of Afghan Students Association, requested the Indian government to extend their visas and scholarships until the situation in their country stabilises. Around 200 Afghan students, including 10-12 women are pursuing courses in Osmania University, English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), and three more universities in Telangana. They receive scholarship amount of ₹24,500 per month from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).