Three female students at risk of being deported to Afghanistan arrive in Regina

Advertisement

Advertise with us

REGINA - The University of Regina says it has welcomed the first three female students in a group facing deportation to Afghanistan, where they are at risk of being killed, jailed and tortured. 

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$0 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Monthly Digital Subscription

$4.75/week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $16.99 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $23.99 plus GST every four weeks.

REGINA – The University of Regina says it has welcomed the first three female students in a group facing deportation to Afghanistan, where they are at risk of being killed, jailed and tortured. 

Dozens of female students were evacuated from Afghanistan after the Taliban took over the country four years ago.

For Afghan women, pursuing an education past Grade 6 in the Taliban-controlled country is forbidden.

Saskatchewan's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa on July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Saskatchewan's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa on July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The university, as well as the advocacy group Women Leaders of Tomorrow, raised money to help relocate some of the women to Saskatchewan to continue their education after the United States government suspended their scholarship funding in Qatar.

There were delays in getting the women into Canada, because the federal government delayed issuing student visas after putting a cap on international students last year.

The University of Regina says another three students are currently in the visa processing stage.

“It’s amazing to see these three courageous women finally here on campus and to learn about their incredible journeys and passion for continuing their education,” Jeff Keshen, president and vice-chancellor of the university, said in a statement Thursday. 

“Their strength and resilience sets a strong example for all about the importance of equity, compassion and global citizenship, values that define our institution.”

The university said the campaign to bring the women to Saskatchewan surpassed its initial fundraising goal of $500,000, raising more than $815,000 to support the Afghan students.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2025.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Canada

LOAD MORE