Applying for asylum in Europe is becoming increasingly difficult for Bangladeshi nationals. In April this year, the European Union (EU) designated Bangladesh, along with five other countries, as a “safe country.”
This means that asylum claims from citizens of these countries are processed rapidly, resulting in most cases being rejected. As a consequence, the process has grown tougher for Bangladeshis seeking refuge.
Why are Bangladeshis struggling with asylum claims?
The EU’s proposed “safe country” list aims to expedite the dismissal of applications from these states and facilitate the return of their citizens.
But questions are being raised among Bangladeshi expatriates in Europe as to whether the high rate of rejections stems solely from Bangladesh’s designation as safe, or whether there are deeper issues at play.
Niaz Mahmud, a senior journalist based in France and editor of Migrantwatch, told Banglanews that the designation has raised important questions.
“When European countries one by one declare Bangladesh a safe country, it is natural for us to wonder — is this a political recognition, or is it a subtle message of growing mistrust towards our migrants? The reality is that the actions of a section of Bangladeshis abroad — from tax evasion, fake businesses and insurance fraud to fraudulent documents in asylum claims — have fuelled resentment and mistrust in countries like Italy, France, Germany, and Spain,” he said.
“These fabricated stories have become so widespread that genuine victims — such as political dissidents, minority citizens or persecuted journalists — are being lost in the tide of falsehoods. The greatest tragedy is that even those with authentic documents and evidence of persecution now struggle to be believed. Meanwhile, opportunists are busy fabricating victimhood. This has turned into a kind of victim industry. It not only damages Bangladesh’s image but also undermines the struggles of millions of Bangladeshis working hard to live honestly abroad,” he added.
Mahmud argued that the EU’s recognition of Bangladesh as safe essentially closes the door on fraudulent claims. At the same time, he said, it serves as a warning to the Bangladeshi diaspora: “You are losing Europe’s trust through your conduct.”
He further stressed that Bangladeshis must now engage in self-reflection. “We must remember, each of us is an unofficial ambassador of our country. Our actions determine whether Bangladeshis will be seen as credible, hardworking migrants in Europe, or as fabricators of false stories. The answer lies in our hands.”
However, there is a measure of reassurance. Although these asylum claims are being rejected at a higher rate, they are not automatically dismissed.
Courts in several European countries, including Italy, ruled in August that despite Bangladesh’s designation as safe, cases involving personal risk or potential persecution would still be considered individually. This means applications will be judged based on specific circumstances, though the rejection rate at the initial stage has risen significantly.
How many Bangladeshis are entering Europe illegally?
According to the EU border and coast guard agency Frontex, nearly 100,000 migrants entered Europe through irregular routes between January and August 2025, with Bangladeshi nationals ranking among the top. During this period, at least 8,000 Bangladeshis reportedly arrived by sea. After reaching Europe, many take shelter in refugee camps before applying for asylum.
Mujadded Al Mamun, an organiser for the National Citizens’ Party in Italy, told Banglanews that new Bangladeshi migrants are arriving in Italy on a regular basis. “Most asylum claims are rejected at the first stage, but there are opportunities for appeal at the second and third stages. In many cases, claims are accepted even at the third stage. One of Italy’s main advantages is that no one is forcibly deported,” he said.
Rifat Shikdar, a Bangladeshi expatriate in Portugal, echoed the sentiment. “There was a time when asylum applications were easily approved in Portugal. Now, under the new rules, it has become more difficult. However, many claims are still being accepted depending on the strength of an individual’s case,” he said.
EU’s new policy
The EU’s proposal to classify Bangladesh as a safe country has yet to receive unanimous approval from the European Parliament and member states. If implemented, however, it will accelerate the rejection of asylum claims and streamline deportations.
During the authoritarian rule of former leader Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshis found it relatively easy to secure political asylum. That will no longer be the case. Human rights organisations argue that this policy may be unfair for certain groups still at risk in Bangladesh, such as opposition political activists, human rights defenders, and members of the LGBT community.
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