Afghan scholars studying in the UK under a Foreign Office scheme say they are living in fear of being forced back into Taliban clutches.
The current cohort of Afghan Chevening scholars says they are stuck in limbo and face the possibility of having to return to Afghanistan after their graduation in September or once their visas expire.
The Home Office initially stated that the scholarship was not a pathway to resettlement and that scholars should follow the standard Chevening policy of returning home or to a third country.
But the Home Office has now indicated that scholars can apply for another UK visa, such as the graduate route, or consider claiming asylum.
Three of the 17 Afghan students from the 2022/23 year told the PA news agency about their struggles with panic attacks and fear of persecution as a result of the Government’s policy.
One said that even if they were granted a graduate visa, they would still be at risk of deportation after two years.
Afghan Chevening scholars already in the UK in 2021 and 2022 were granted indefinite leave to remain.
