Italy has emerged as the overwhelming favourite for Bangladeshi asylum seekers in 2025, attracting 76.7 per cent of all first-time applications submitted across the European Union.

Between January and August, Bangladeshi nationals lodged a total of 22,220 first-time asylum applications in the EU, with Italy alone receiving 17,050 of them, according to data from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, released on November 17.

The data showed that Italy maintained a consistent lead throughout the year, with major peaks reported in March (2,755) and May (2,485).

Even in comparatively lower months such as April (805), the number of applications remained well above the totals recorded by other EU member states.

Italy’s position reflected its role as the principal gateway through Mediterranean routes, which continued to serve as a key entry corridor for migrants from South Asia.

According to Eurostat data, France remained as the second-largest recipient of first-time asylum applications from Bangladeshi nationals, registering 2,350 claims, equivalent to 10.6 per cent of the EU total.

France’s intake remained steady over the eight-month period, with peaks in January (450) and August (305).

Although markedly lower than Italy’s figures, France was still considered a preferred destination for many migrants seeking asylum in Western Europe, as well as a transit point to other EU countries.

Greece was indicated as the third-largest recipient, receiving 1,940 first-time applications from Bangladeshi nationals, or 8.7 per cent of the EU total between January and August 2025.

Unlike France, Greece experienced sharp seasonal increases, particularly during the summer months, with the highest inflows in June (405), July (420) and August (455), coinciding with favourable weather and heightened irregular migration via the Aegean Sea.

Together, Italy, France and Greece accounted for 21,340 of the 22,220 first-time Bangladeshi applications — an overwhelming 96.0 per cent share of the EU-wide total.

Experts said that the distribution highlighted the continued dominance of Mediterranean and Western European entry states in receiving Bangladeshi asylum seekers, with Italy’s share dwarfing all other EU destinations.

They added that the data underscored a heavily concentrated migration pattern, shaped by established smuggling routes, labour networks and onward movement pathways within Europe.