Bangladeshi asylum applications in the European Union fell sharply in the first eight months of 2025, with first-time submissions dropping by 21.9 per cent to 22,220 from 28,445 in the same period of 2024, according to Eurostat data released on November 17.
Total applications, including repeat claims, fell by 22.2 per cent to 23,330 from 30,000 a year earlier. Subsequent applications recorded the biggest fall, dropping by 28.5 per cent to 1,105 from 1,545.
Migration researchers said the high number of Bangladeshi asylum claims in 2024 was driven by the political situation under the then Awami League-led government, describing last year鈥檚 figures as exceptional.
Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit acting executive director Tasneem Siddiqui said the spike included not only political activists but also professionals such as teachers and bankers who felt forced to leave the country.
Italy remained the main destination for Bangladeshis this year, receiving 17,050 first-time applications, or 76.7 per cent of the total.
France received 2,350 applications and Greece 1,940, accounting for 96 per cent of the submissions together.
Tasneem said most Bangladeshis applying for asylum in Italy had travelled via irregular sea routes through Libya and Tunisia.
Across the EU, first-time asylum applications from non-EU citizens fell by 26.9 per cent to 448,140 in January鈥揂ugust 2025, down from 613,410 a year earlier.
In August alone, the EU received 51,465 first-time applicants, a 27 per cent fall year-on-year. Afghans formed the largest group, followed by Venezuelans, Syrians and Bangladeshis.
Bangladeshi applications in August saw a slight increase to 2,900 from 2,765 a year earlier. First-time claims rose by 6.9 per cent to 2,785, while repeat applications fell by 28.1 per cent to 115.
Tasneem said migration patterns should be viewed seasonally, noting that calmer seas and temporary labour demand in Europe often influence irregular travel.
