UK tightens asylum rules as BD remains top source of claims

The UK has stepped up its efforts to curb irregular migration as Bangladesh remains among the top five sources of asylum applications, with only a small number of recent Bangladeshi claims being approved, British High Commissioner Sarah Cook said today.

Speaking at a meeting with Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury in Dhaka, Cook said the UK was returning rejected asylum seekers to Bangladesh as part of its tougher approach to asylum.

Those who return voluntarily after their applications are rejected can receive up to £3,000 in financial assistance to help them rebuild their lives, while those deported through legal procedures are not eligible for the support, she said.

The discussions also highlighted the need to reduce the factors driving Bangladeshis towards irregular migration, including limited access to skilled and legal overseas employment.

Ariful called for greater UK support for English-language, technical and vocational training to prepare Bangladeshi workers for international labour markets. He also proposed cooperation to strengthen technical training centres and marine technology institutes and expand green and digital skills.

State Minister Md Nurul Haque suggested linking Bangladeshi training centres with UK institutions so workers can obtain internationally recognised qualifications and access legal migration opportunities.
Cook expressed interest in jointly developing skilled workers and stressed the importance of making labour migration from Bangladesh safe, regular and affordable.