As India prepares to reestablish diplomatic ties with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, many female Afghan refugees are looking on with growing fear.

DW spoke with three Afghan women studying in India whose visas have expired, leaving them afraid of being deported.

Returning to their home country under Taliban control would mean losing not only future careers but also basic freedoms.

Since India has no refugee law, these women live with constant uncertainty.

They work illegally and fear abuse while pleading for protection from a country they had hoped was a friend.