European Union (EU) nations have expressed growing concerns over the influx of undocumented Bangladeshi migrants entering Europe through irregular routes, including perilous Mediterranean crossings.
Several EU member states have formally raised the issue with the Bangladeshi government, seeking expedited repatriation under an agreement signed in 2017.
At present, approximately 1.5 million Bangladeshis reside across Europe, with 800,000 in the United Kingdom alone.
A significant portion of these migrants have overstayed their visas or entered Europe through unauthorised means, rendering them undocumented.
Diplomatic sources reveal that countries with high concentrations of such migrants—Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Malta, Greece, and Austria—are persistently urging Bangladesh to take proactive steps in their repatriation.
The Bangladesh government has maintained a cooperative stance, diligently verifying the lists provided by European nations.
Only those conclusively identified as Bangladeshi nationals are being repatriated, with nearly 700 individuals returned to date.
Authorities are continuing efforts to ascertain the citizenship status of others on the EU’s repatriation lists, ensuring due process before taking further action.
Despite the ongoing repatriation process, migration analysts highlight that the number of Bangladeshis legally travelling to Europe remains minimal compared to neighbouring countries.
In 2023, while over 1 million Bangladeshis sought employment abroad, only 16,077 entered the 28-nation European bloc.
This low figure underscores Bangladesh’s challenges in competing for legal work opportunities in Europe’s skilled labour market.
As a result, many aspiring migrants resort to hazardous, unauthorised routes.
Foreign ministry sources confirm that Bangladesh is under sustained diplomatic pressure from key European nations, particularly during high-level visits.
During a recent trip to Dhaka, Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, reiterating the urgency of repatriating undocumented Bangladeshis.
In response, Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to the process.
Italy, in turn, indicated that repatriation compliance would facilitate an increase in visa issuance for legal Bangladeshi workers.
Concerns persist over the failure of many workers to return home upon completing their contractual employment in Europe.
Italy, in particular, has voiced frustration over this trend, linking it to the broader issue of irregular migration.
While Greece remains the only Western European country with a formal labour agreement with Bangladesh, discussions are reportedly underway to establish similar agreements with Italy, Austria, Spain, and Portugal.
Addressing the issue, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain emphasised the government’s stance against irregular migration.
“We have repeatedly discouraged illegal pathways to foreign employment, yet some individuals fall prey to unscrupulous agents. Many face tragic fates, drowning in the Mediterranean or ending up in detention centres. Such incidents damage our national reputation. Our goal is to facilitate migration through legal, structured channels,” he stated.
The EU’s insistence on swift action underscores the broader challenges Bangladesh faces in managing its migrant workforce and securing sustainable opportunities for its citizens within the European labour market.
