UK accelerates deportation program for convicted foreign nationals

Monday 11 August 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

UK accelerates deportation program for convicted foreign nationals

The UK government has announced an expansion of its deportation program for convicted foreign nationals, extending its reach to 15 additional countries, bringing the total to 23. The policy, known as "deport now, appeal later," allows deportation without waiting for foreign nationals to serve their prison terms in the UK, enabling them to appeal from their home countries.

Broader scope and new partnerships

Initially applied to eight countries, including Tanzania, Estonia, and Belize, the program now includes nations such as Angola, Botswana, Lebanon, and India. Discussions with other countries are ongoing, according to the Home Office's statement.

This initiative, championed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to address immigration issues amid rising support for far-right rhetoric in the UK.

Government stance and rationale

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the urgency of reforming immigration systems:
"For far too long, foreign criminals have exploited our immigration system, remaining in the UK for months or years while their appeals dragged on. This must stop," she stated.

The government argues that each prison placement costs taxpayers £54,000 annually (over €62,000). Since the Labour Party assumed power in July 2024, approximately 5,200 convicted foreign nationals have been deported, marking a 14% year-on-year increase.

Sentencing and deportation outcomes

The Ministry of Justice clarified that whether deported individuals serve their sentences abroad depends on agreements with the receiving country. In some cases, deportees may gain freedom upon arrival in their home nations.

The 15 new countries included in the program are Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, and Zambia.