Afghan Students Face Dormitory Evictions Over Visa Delays in Pakistan

DID Press: King Edward Medical University in Pakistan has instructed Afghan students, medical trainees, and other Afghan nationals living in its dormitories to vacate their accommodation within 48 hours if they have not obtained a valid visa extension, raising concerns over the continuity of their education.

According to a notice issued by the university’s administration for male and female hostels, all Afghan nationals whose visas have expired and have not been renewed must leave university accommodation within 48 hours. Hostel administrators have also been instructed to enforce the directive without delay.

Pakistani media reported that the decision comes despite many Afghan students saying they submitted their visa renewal applications before their permits expired and are still awaiting decisions from immigration authorities.

One Afghan medical student said, “We entered Pakistan legally and have continued our studies in accordance with university regulations. If visa renewals have been delayed because of administrative procedures, students should not be penalized.”

Pakistani officials have stressed that universities are required to verify the immigration status of international students. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said educational institutions are obligated to comply with immigration laws and cannot provide accommodation to individuals who do not hold valid residency documents.

Education experts warned that delays in visa renewals could disrupt academic programs, particularly the clinical and hospital-based training required for medical students. They called for closer coordination between universities and immigration authorities to ensure that students with pending renewal applications are able to continue their education while their cases are being processed.