The UK Home Office has clarified that British immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the UK specifically to seek asylum or temporary refuge. This statement comes amid widespread speculation that ousted Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, may fly to London to claim asylum.
A UK Home Office spokesperson told NDTV, "The UK has a proud record of protecting people who need it. However, there is no provision for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge. Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach-that is the fastest route to safety."
Despite these rules, sources indicate that a formal asylum request for Sheikh Hasina is being processed.
Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as prime minister on Monday following weeks of protests over government job quotas, which resulted in over 300 deaths. She fled Dhaka on a military aircraft and landed at an Indian Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh.
According to Indian media, upon arrival, Hasina met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Reports suggest that she is currently in the "protective custody" of Indian intelligence services.
Sheikh Hasina is accompanied by her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, who is a UK citizen. Her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British Labour parliamentarian, and her daughter, Saima Wazed, is based in Delhi, serving as the regional chief for the World Health Organisation.
Reports also indicate that India is cautious about overtly supporting the ousted leader to avoid complicating its relationship with the new government in Bangladesh.
