The UK sponsor can also be a refugee or under humanitarian protection.

The Immigration and Protection Tribunal last year said climate change could be a factor in establishing a need for humanitarian protection.

The two parties also disagree on the suspension of family reunifications for asylum seekers who were granted humanitarian protection in Germany.

Mr Higgins said the military government's refusal to allow urgent humanitarian assistance into the country contravened the United Nations principle of humanitarian protection.

Like people granted refugee status, those given humanitarian protection can stay for five years, after which they can apply to settle in the UK.