Petition · Home Office

Exempt Afghan women from the study-visa suspension and reinstate routes to study

Open for signatures 1,395 signatures

What the petition asks

Create an immediate exemption to the current suspension of study visas for Afghan nationals, so Afghan women and girls can obtain UK education visas (including university, foundation and English pathways) with appropriate safeguards, and publish clear guidance for applicants and institutions.
The UK has paused study visas for Afghan citizens. We believe that this decision effectively shuts one of the last education routes for Afghan women and girls at a time when education inside Afghanistan is severely restricted. In our view, penalising genuine students because others may claim asylum for illegitimate reasons is disproportionate. We believe that the UK can protect border integrity without blocking women’s education, and that taking this action aligns with UK values on girls’ education and human rights.

Timeline

8 Apr 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,395
Status Open for signatures
Department Home Office
Opened 8 Apr 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.