"foreign criminals have been exploiting our immigration system"
India has been added to the UK’s list of countries whose citizens can be deported if convicted of crimes, even before appeals are heard.
The change comes as part of the government’s plan to crack down on rising migration. The Home Office confirmed that its “Deport Now, Appeal Later” scheme will expand from eight countries to 23.
Under the scheme, foreign nationals will be deported to their home countries before they can appeal. Those whose human rights claims are refused can attend UK appeal hearings remotely via video.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “For far too long, foreign criminals have been exploiting our immigration system, remaining in the UK for months or even years while their appeals drag on.
“That has to end.
“Those who commit crimes in our country cannot be allowed to manipulate the system, which is why we are restoring control and sending a clear message that our laws must be respected and will be enforced.”
The scheme was revived in 2023 by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman. It previously covered Finland, Nigeria, Estonia, Albania, Belize, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Kosovo.
India now joins Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Guyana, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, and Zambia.
The government said it is in discussions with other countries to join the programme.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “We are leading diplomatic efforts to increase the number of countries where foreign criminals can be swiftly returned, and if they want to appeal, they can do so safely from their home country.
“Under this scheme, we’re investing in international partnerships that uphold our security and make our streets safer.”
The Home Office said offenders from countries on the expanded list had been able to remain in the UK for months or years during appeals, adding to costs for taxpayers after sentences ended.
It reported that about 5,200 foreign nationals have been deported since July 2024, a 14% rise from the previous year.
The government is also legislating to strip asylum rights from those who commit notifiable sex offences, under new powers in the Borders Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
Around £5 million is being spent to deploy specialist staff to nearly 80 jails in England and Wales to speed up removals.
The Ministry of Justice announced new measures allowing most foreign prisoners to be deported after serving 30% of their sentences instead of 50%.
This removes what it called “a decades-old law” and allows for immediate deportation in some cases, with offenders barred from returning to the UK.
Terrorists, murderers, and life sentence prisoners will still serve their full terms before deportation.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:
“Deportations are up under this government, and with this new law, they will happen earlier than ever before.”
“Our message is clear: if you abuse our hospitality and break our laws, we will send you packing.”
The tougher measures will apply to all foreign offenders currently in custody and those sentenced in future. Foreign nationals make up around 12% of the prison population, with places costing about £54,000 a year.
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