More than a hundred young Afghans have been prevented from leaving the country by the Taliban, the Islamist military organization that took control of Afghanistan in 2021, to study at the University of Dubai after receiving study scholarships. According to statements by Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, the Emirati businessman who awarded the scholarships to the students and president of the Al Habtoor Group network of companies, more than 60 women were detained at Kabul Airport and returned to their homes.
Al Habtoor announced through his social networks that the young women "unfortunately could not reach the Dubai airport to continue their studies due to the interference of the Taliban." According to Al Habtoor, the Taliban government in Afghanistan "prevented their leaving without justification, unfairly restricting the freedom of the students.”
According to statements by Al Habtoor, the businessman organized everything for the young women's stay, including transportation, accommodation, security and their university education. Since the implementation of the Taliban regime two years ago, women have been prohibited from receiving primary, secondary, and university education. Therefore, Al Habtoor and his organization have awarded scholarships at the University of Dubai to more than one hundred Afghan female students.
Through the X platform, the businessman demanded that the Taliban authorities hand over one of their planes that flew to Afghanistan to transport the women. According to Al Habtoor Group, even women traveling with a male companion were not allowed to leave Afghanistan. "Right now we are at the airport, but unfortunately the government does not allow us to go to Dubai, not even those that have a Maharam (guardian man)," said the Emirati businessman.
In addition, Al Habtoor declared that the actions of the authorities "constitute a profound tragedy, a blow against the principles of humanity, education, equality and justice" and called on those involved to intervene immediately to rescue the students. According to the foreign sources, the Taliban regime's spokesmen have yet to say anything about the detention of the women at the airport.
However, few students have managed to escape the country and reach Dubai. The businessman confirmed on his social networks that "several Afghan women were able to reach the University of Dubai, and he hopes that the others can arrive soon."
Since the arrival of the Taliban, thousands of young people have not only been prohibited from receiving education, but have also been prevented from working in most of the country's public spaces. In addition, the Taliban government ordered that women can only leave their homes accompanied by a male relative, and that they cover their faces and bodies obligatorily. According to local sources, hundreds of universities and schools have closed for female students.
