The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) in a statement on Thursday called on Afghan university lecturers who left the country, to return to Afghanistan.

The ministry assured its full support of the returnees and to maintain their security.

Based on the reports, at least 229 lecturers with master’s degrees and PHDs from Kabul, Balkh and Herat universities fled the country since the collapse of the former government, however, the ministry of higher education has yet to release a specific figure about the teachers living abroad now.

“There is no security problem and the Islamic Emirate and Afghanistan welcome everybody who is coming to their country, the government will cooperate with them,” said Bilal Karimi.

Meanwhile, the teachers who are currently out of the country said they will not return, unless they see academic and professional leaders in the higher education sector.

“Unfortunately, a great vacuum is formed between scientific and professional figures and the leadership that is making decisions,” said Khalil Ahmad Kanjo, university lecturer.

“Another serious challenge is the salary which is paid to lecturers; the salary is low and they cannot advance their lives with this amount,” said Mahmood Marhoon, a lecturer.

The Ministry of Higher Education announced in late January that all public universities in warm areas are going to be opened on February 2nd and in cold areas on February 26th.