The UK government has expanded its “Deport Now, Appeal Later” policy to include India, alongside 22 other countries. This policy allows foreign nationals convicted of crimes in the UK to be deported immediately after sentencing, without waiting for their appeal to be heard in the UK. Appeals can still be made remotely from their home country via video hearings. The expansion aims to expedite the deportation process and alleviate pressure on the UK’s immigration system.
The scheme has grown from covering eight countries to 23, with India now included. Other countries added are Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Guyana, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, and Zambia.
Under the policy, foreign nationals who have had their human rights claim refused will be removed from the UK before they can appeal the decision. They can then take part in their UK appeal hearing from overseas using video technology.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated, “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.”
Foreign nationals make up about 12% of the UK’s prison population, with the average cost to house one prisoner around £54,000 annually. The faster deportation process is expected to reduce this financial burden on UK taxpayers. The UK government has invested £5 million to deploy specialist staff in nearly 80 prisons across England and Wales to speed up the deportation and removal process.
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While the policy aims to expedite deportations, it has faced criticism from civil liberties groups and legal experts. Concerns have been raised about the fairness of deporting individuals before their appeals are heard and the adequacy of remote hearings. Additionally, there are questions about the effectiveness of ensuring that deported individuals serve their sentences in their home countries.
The UK government has indicated that discussions are ongoing with other nations to join the scheme, aiming to increase the number of countries where foreign criminals can be swiftly returned. This policy expansion reflects the UK government’s broader efforts to tighten immigration enforcement and address concerns about foreign nationals committing crimes within the country.