Applications for political asylum by Bangladeshis in the UK and Europe have continued to rise, accompanied by a growing rejection rate.
Immigration experts say such surges are common during periods of political uncertainty, but increased youth unemployment and tighter immigration rules are also contributing factors.
They warn that the high number of falsified claims is making it harder for those who genuinely need protection.
Bangladesh among top asylum-seeking nationalities in UK
In the 12 months to September, the UK received 110,511 asylum applications — a 13% rise from the previous year.
Nationals of Pakistan, Eritrea, Iran, Afghanistan and Bangladesh accounted for 39% of all applications, according to figures published by the UK Home Office on November 27.
The UK recorded between 22,000 and 46,000 asylum claims annually from 2004 to 2020. Numbers began climbing significantly from late 2021, with the latest tally matching the 1979 record and nearly doubling 2021 levels.
UK Border Force officials report a sharp rise in recent years in applications from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Most applicants from these countries initially arrive on work or student visas before seeking asylum.
Following changes to UK immigration rules, arrivals of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals on such visas increased substantially from January 1, 2022. A large share of these arrivals are young people.
Bangladeshis 3rd largest asylum-seeking group in Europe
Venezuelans and Afghans topped asylum requests in the EU in the second quarter of 2025. Eurostat data shows Bangladeshis ranked third in June 2025, submitting 2,735 applications — about 13% lower than the same month last year.
96% of Bangladeshi asylum claims rejected in Europe
Between January 2024 and June 2025, 57,550 Bangladeshis filed first-time asylum applications across EU countries. Only 4% of Bangladeshi claims were approved in 2024. By May 2025, 45,129 applications were still pending.
France, Italy and Greece have recently accelerated their processing of asylum cases. Experts predict that faster processing will also lead to more Bangladeshis being sent back.
UN data shows long-term rise in Bangladeshi asylum seekers
According to UNHCR, the number of Bangladeshis seeking refugee status worldwide has risen steadily over the last five years. In 2024, 28,473 Bangladeshis were registered as refugees, while 108,131 applied for political asylum globally. Most filed applications in Europe and the Americas.
Bangladeshis sought asylum or refugee registration in countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Georgia, Cyprus, Bosnia and Austria, and in the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Papua New Guinea. Others applied in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. Notably, six Bangladeshis were registered as refugees in Somalia in 2024.
Annual UN refugee registration data shows the following trend:
- 2023: 24,126
- 2022: 23,935
- 2021: 22,672
- 2020: 18,948
- 2019: 22,766
- 2018: 21,022
- 2017: 16,780
Applications for political asylum worldwide by Bangladeshis were:
- 2023: 75,867
- 2022: 61,298
- 2021: 65,495
- 2020: 64,636
- 2019/2018: 62,860
Why are Bangladeshis applying — and being rejected?
Immigration expert Asif Munir said that asylum applications typically rise when the political climate becomes uncertain. “This has happened before and will happen again. Many people use Europe’s human rights protections — and some misuse them,” he said.
He noted that immigration rules across Europe are increasingly prioritizing skilled migrants while tightening restrictions on irregular migration.
“Bangladesh has a large youth population but limited job opportunities. Many young people from middle-income families cannot compete locally or afford to study abroad, so they look for alternative ways to migrate,” he said.
Munir added that as student visa rules become stricter, some overstayers resort to claiming asylum — but without proof of genuine risk, their applications are almost always rejected.
Brac Associate Director (Migration and Youth Platform) Shariful Hasan said not all Bangladeshi asylum seekers cite political reasons. “Many cross the sea irregularly or take dangerous overland routes from Brazil to Mexico. Once they arrive in Europe, the UK or the US, they apply for political asylum.”
He said fewer than 1% of Bangladeshi asylum claims in Europe or the UK are approved. “Their documents are often not credible. Many enter irregularly and apply simply to extend their stay. This has been happening for years,” he said.
As a result, he warned: “Genuine asylum seekers from Bangladesh now face greater risks, because authorities increasingly assume Bangladeshi claims are fabricated.”
