Bangladesh is among the top five countries of origin for asylum seekers in the United Kingdom, British High Commissioner Sarah Cook said during a courtesy meeting with Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury on Sunday. The report, published on August 9, said Cook described the British government and public as taking a very strict position on irregular migration.

Cook said only a small number of recent asylum applications in the UK had been approved, while the remaining applicants were being deported to their home countries. People whose applications are rejected may receive £3,000 in financial assistance for rehabilitation if they choose to return voluntarily. The assistance does not apply when a person is deported through a legal process.

The high commissioner also said the UK was interested in working jointly with the Bangladesh government to develop skilled workers in line with international labour-market demand. She raised UK concerns about ensuring labour migration from Bangladesh is safe, regular and conducted at reasonable cost. The meeting highlighted cooperation on workforce skills and regular migration pathways.