Bangladesh among top five asylum-seeking countries in UK: Sarah Cooke

Bangladesh is among the top five countries of origin for people seeking asylum in the United Kingdom, according to British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke . However, she noted that very few recent asylum applicants from Bangladesh have been granted approval.

The British High Commissioner revealed this information during a courtesy meeting with Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury on Sunday. The meeting, held at the ministry, discussed irregular migration, human trafficking prevention, skilled manpower development, and expanding opportunities for safe and regular labour migration .

Sarah Cooke stated that Bangladeshis whose asylum applications in the UK are rejected are being repatriated to Bangladesh. She also mentioned that the UK government has adopted a stringent stance on asylum seekers.

She further informed that those whose asylum applications have been rejected and who are voluntarily returning to Bangladesh are being provided with financial assistance of up to £3,000 for rehabilitation. However, individuals forcibly returned through legal processes will not receive this support .

The meeting emphasised joint initiatives between Bangladesh and the UK to prevent irregular migration and human trafficking . Discussions also focused on creating skilled workers according to international labour market demands and expanding safe and regular migration opportunities.

Expatriates' Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury sought UK cooperation in curbing irregular migration and human trafficking. He also highlighted the need to enhance English language, technical and vocational training in line with international labour market demands.

The minister requested UK assistance in increasing the capacity of technical training centres and marine technology institutes. He also proposed expanding 'green skills' and 'digital skills' training. He further proposed the formulation of a joint action plan to implement initiatives on migration and skills development between the two countries.

State Minister Md Nurul Haq proposed establishing linkages between Bangladesh's training centres and UK institutions, emphasising the creation of internationally certified workforce and expanding legal migration pathways.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke expressed interest in working jointly with Bangladesh to create skilled manpower. She also stressed the need to ensure safe, regular and affordable labour migration from Bangladesh .

The meeting also discussed cooperation between the two countries in implementing the UN's 'Global Compact for Migration' on migration issues.

The meeting was attended by Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed, British High Commission Counsellor Ryan Duncanson, and senior ministry officials.