EU Commissioner to discuss migration issues with Bangladesh

Dhaka, Nov 9 (EFE).- The European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, is set to arrive in Bangladesh to discuss future cooperation and announce support for Rohingya refugees in the country, her office said on Wednesday.

Johansson is set to arrive Thursday on a two-day visit, during which she will meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several ministers and representatives of the United Nations and civil society.

Her visit comes at a time when the EU and Bangladesh are working to launch a comprehensive dialogue on migration and mobility.

This will include the possibility to increase cooperation in view of launching a talent partnership and increased cooperation to fight people smuggling.

“Substantial progress on readmission cooperation has been made and in this context, should this progress be sustained, the Commission will consider withdrawing its proposal under the visa code mechanism,” said Johansson’s office.

According to International Organization for Migration, at least 7,955 Bangladeshi nationals arrived by land and sea in 2021 in four EU nations, namely Italy, Greece, Spain and Malta.

Of that number, Italy received the 7,838 Bangladeshi migrants, the highest among them.

During her stay in Bangladesh, the Swedish politician will also review EU-supported projects for the sustainable reintegration of Bangladeshi returnees.

She is also expected to announce a further thee million euros ($3 million) in support for Rohingya refugees.

Bangladesh is home to over 925,000 Rohingya refugees who have fled neighboring Myanmar, including around 774,000 who escaped after the Myanmar military launched a military campaign in 2017.

Johansson will visit Pakistan between Nov.13-14, where she will meet with government representatives of the country, and discuss the launch of a comprehensive migration dialogue with Pakistan. EFE

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