Taliban bans verification of academic diplomas for women

The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refused to verify academic documents belonging to Afghan women.

Several residents of Kabul said they were told directly at the ministry’s entrance that “verification of women’s documents is now prohibited,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

The decision effectively deprives many women of the opportunity to continue their education or seek employment abroad.

Furthermore, similar restrictions have reportedly been introduced in the higher education system.

Authorities have ordered the suspension of verification of academic records for foreign universities and organisations, affecting both women and men.

Universities have also been verbally instructed not to respond to international requests regarding student performance, diplomas, or enrollment status, effectively cutting off communication with foreign academic institutions and international education programmes.

The implementation of these measures is reportedly advised to be carried out “quietly and confidentially” to avoid public attention.

Residents have described the decision as unfair, saying it blocks access to education and employment opportunities abroad.

Authorities had previously banned girls from studying beyond the sixth grade and restricted women’s participation in the workforce, including in international organisations.

Despite international pressure, the policy of restrictions remains unchanged.

Decrees issued by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and rules from the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice continue to impose new limitations on Afghan women’s lives.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov