Allegations raise concerns over Afghan students at AUM

The American University of Malta continues to face serious scrutiny following allegations raised by students regarding conduct within its administration. At the centre of these concerns are claims that Afghan female students were subjected to intimidating statements during a closed meeting with senior university officials. The allegations involve remarks that students interpreted as threats related to deportation should they leave Malta without authorisation. These claims have generated wider questions about student welfare, institutional accountability, government policy responses and the treatment of vulnerable international students studying in Malta.

Despite repeated attempts by journalists to obtain clarification or responses from the university and relevant officials, no public explanation has been issued. The situation has consequently raised broader issues about transparency, governance and Malta’s obligations under international and European human rights frameworks.

Background to the arrival of Afghan students in Malta

The cohort at the centre of this controversy consists primarily of Afghan women who arrived in Malta after fleeing their home country following the Taliban’s return to power. Their relocation was facilitated through international scholarship arrangements aimed at providing educational opportunities to women facing documented risks of persecution.

At the time of their arrival, the students were enrolled at the American University of Malta as part of a programme intended to allow them to continue their studies in a stable and secure environment. The cohort reportedly included around 35 students. Many had already endured prolonged displacement, dangerous migration routes and extended separation from close family members across Europe.

Their relocation to Malta occurred against the backdrop of rapidly changing international funding mechanisms. Several humanitarian and educational support structures were being reduced or withdrawn, creating uncertainty for students who had already been displaced multiple times.

The departure of students and growing uncertainty

Toward the end of last year, at least nine students from the cohort left Malta without formal coordination with university authorities. While their precise whereabouts are not fully known, it is understood that they sought to reunite with family members residing in other European countries after years of enforced separation.

Students who remained in Malta have described a climate of mounting anxiety leading up to these departures. According to testimonies, concerns centred on delays and inconsistencies related to accreditation, residency permits and the long term stability of their academic programmes.

The uncertainty reportedly intensified following the resignation of AUM’s former rector, Victoria Fontan, in December. Students stated that the absence of a clear explanation for her departure contributed to confusion and diminished confidence in institutional leadership.

One student described the situation by stating, “I think the fact that they kept us in the dark for so long about what is going on with our accreditation and with our residency permits made people very anxious… so seeing Fontan leaving without a clear explanation made everyone’s anxiety worse. We were getting different answers from different people and some of us lost patience.”

The meeting that sparked the allegations

Following the departure of several students, an urgent meeting was convened between university representatives and the remaining Afghan students. According to multiple independent accounts, the meeting lasted approximately three hours and was marked by a tense atmosphere.

It is during this meeting that students allege statements were made by the university’s Director of Student Affairs, David O’Shaughnessy, which they perceived as threatening. Students claim they were warned that leaving Malta without authorisation would prompt the university and associated funders to notify authorities in other European countries, potentially resulting in deportation proceedings.

One student recounted the following statement, which is reproduced here exactly as originally reported:
“The university and our scholarship funders both told all of us during a three-hour meeting that if we continue fleeing AUM to go to another country, they have connections that they would use to get us reported and deported to Afghanistan.”

Another student stated that officials repeatedly emphasised their alleged connections across Europe and suggested that reporting students would require minimal effort.

“They told us they brought us here to study, not to flee. So if we are going to do that, they will take that action. They kept saying they have strong connections across Europe and that all they need to do is send an email. So that’s why we are so scared.”

Students describe fear and distress

Students present at the meeting have described feeling frightened, pressured and shamed rather than supported. Several accounts indicate that the tone of the discussion was perceived as dismissive of the students’ personal circumstances and ongoing trauma.

Another source described the meeting as “disrespectful” and stated that students felt they were being coerced into compliance rather than offered assistance in finding alternative academic arrangements.

According to these accounts, no substantive proposals were presented to address concerns related to family reunification, psychological wellbeing or transfer pathways that would allow students to continue their education elsewhere in Europe.

Legal and human rights context

The allegations have attracted attention due to the specific vulnerabilities of Afghan women under Taliban rule. European judicial institutions have previously recognised the systemic oppression of Afghan women as constituting persecution. Such recognition has been grounded in documented restrictions on education, employment, healthcare, freedom of movement and political participation.

Gender based violence, forced marriage and enforced dress codes have also been cited as factors contributing to the violation of human dignity. Within this context, any suggestion that Afghan women could face deportation back to Afghanistan carries significant humanitarian implications.

While no official determination has been made regarding the allegations, the claims raise questions about the responsibilities of educational institutions hosting students from conflict zones and the safeguards that should be in place to protect them from undue pressure or distress.

Institutional silence and lack of response

Despite repeated requests for comment, neither David O’Shaughnessy nor the American University of Malta has issued a public response addressing the allegations. This lack of engagement has contributed to continued speculation and concern among observers and advocates.

Journalists also sought clarification from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry responsible for home affairs regarding related policy decisions affecting Afghan nationals. These efforts similarly failed to yield responses.

The absence of official explanations has made it difficult to assess whether any internal reviews or investigations have been initiated or whether policy decisions were informed by broader risk assessments.

Suspension of visas for Afghan nationals

Amid these developments, it has emerged that Maltese authorities implemented a suspension on the issuance of visa documentation for inbound Afghan nationals. The decision was not publicly announced at the time and its duration remains unclear.

This measure contrasts with previous instances where similar policy decisions were communicated openly. In 2024, for example, an announcement was issued regarding the temporary suspension of asylum applications from Syrian nationals.

No formal explanation has been provided as to whether the Afghan visa suspension is temporary or indefinite. Authorities have also not clarified the rationale for applying a blanket restriction rather than targeted measures addressing specific cases.

Observers have questioned whether such a broad response is proportionate to the actions of a limited number of individuals who left Malta under circumstances involving fear and uncertainty.

Impact on Malta’s international standing

The situation has reportedly extended beyond domestic concerns. Information obtained by journalists indicates that the events surrounding the Afghan students triggered diplomatic engagement involving the US State Department.

This involvement is linked to the role of US funded scholarship programmes that supported the relocation of Afghan women to Malta. The departure of students and the subsequent policy responses reportedly raised concerns among international partners regarding institutional oversight and student protection.

The students’ arrival in Malta followed the reduction of global USAID funding and the collapse of alternative funding pathways for Afghan women at risk. These circumstances further complicated efforts to ensure continuity of education and support.

Broader questions of governance and accountability

The allegations and subsequent developments have prompted broader debate about governance standards within higher education institutions operating in Malta. Questions have been raised regarding oversight mechanisms, student safeguarding policies and the role of government agencies in monitoring institutions that host vulnerable populations.

The lack of transparent communication has also highlighted challenges faced by international students navigating residency rules, accreditation frameworks and immigration systems in host countries.

While no legal findings have been issued and no wrongdoing has been formally established, the situation underscores the importance of clear protocols, humane communication and accountability when dealing with students who have fled persecution.

Conclusion

The allegations involving Afghan students at the American University of Malta represent a complex intersection of education policy, immigration control and human rights obligations. At present, the absence of official responses from key institutions has left many questions unanswered.

What remains clear is that vulnerable students require clarity, stability and support rather than fear and uncertainty. As Malta continues to position itself as an international education hub, the handling of such cases will likely remain under close scrutiny by both domestic and international observers.

FAQs

What are the main allegations raised by students?
Students allege that statements made during a meeting were perceived as threats of deportation if they left Malta without authorisation.

Who is named in relation to the allegations?
The allegations involve statements attributed to the Director of Student Affairs at the American University of Malta.

Has the university responded publicly?
No public response or clarification has been issued by the university or the individual named.

Why did some students leave Malta?
Students reportedly left to reunite with family members in other European countries amid uncertainty and anxiety.

Were the students at risk if returned to Afghanistan?
European institutions have previously recognised systemic persecution of Afghan women under Taliban rule.

What role did government policy play?
Authorities reportedly suspended visa issuance for Afghan nationals though no public explanation was provided.

Is the visa suspension temporary?
The duration of the suspension has not been clarified by government officials.

Were international actors involved?
The situation reportedly prompted diplomatic engagement involving the US State Department.

Has any investigation been confirmed?
No official confirmation of internal or external investigations has been made public.

What broader issues does this raise?
The case highlights concerns about student welfare, transparency and accountability in higher education.