Karnataka: Afghan students in turmoil, seek extension of visas

Ten Afghan students studying at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad, Karnataka have appealed to the Indian government to extend their visas since their student visas are going to expire shortly.

Dharwad:The tremors of the Taliban taking over Afghanistan is felt as far as Karnataka's Dharwad as the students hailing from war-ravaged country are in a spot with their visa period expiring shortly. Fifteen students from the strife-ridden country are studying at University of Agricultural Sciences here and are staying in the university's International hostel.

When the COVID-19 struck, five of the students returned to their country while ten others are still in the hostel. The visa for some has already expired and for remaining students it is set to expire between September to February 2022. With the deadline nearing, the students through their Vice-Chancellor, M B Chetti appealed to the Indian government to extend their stay.

As requested, the Vice-Chancellor forwarded their letter to the Central government on behalf of the students. He has proposed the extension of the visa period and fellowship for the Afghan students. He has sent a letter to the Indian Agriculture Council as well.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Afghan students Nusroot Ulla and Mahmoud Akbar said, "We don't know what's going on in our country. Taliban leaders promise that they have changed their outlook but we are not sure about it. However, all of our family members are currently safe back home."

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