London: In a major step to tighten immigration controls, the UK has added India to a list of countries whose nationals, if convicted of crimes, will face immediate deportation without the option to appeal from within the country.
Under the expanded “deport now, appeal later” scheme, foreign offenders will be sent back to their home countries and allowed to participate in appeal hearings remotely via video link. The move aims to prevent convicted criminals from using the UK appeals process to delay removal.
The scheme’s scope has been increased from eight countries to 23, enabling faster deportations and reducing pressure on detention and prison facilities. Foreign nationals whose human rights claims are rejected will now be removed before their appeals are heard.
Previously, offenders from these countries could remain in the UK for months or years while their cases moved through the appeals system, costing taxpayers even after prison sentences were completed. Since July 2024, nearly 5,200 foreign criminals have been removed — a 14% rise compared to the previous year.
The government also announced measures to allow foreign offenders to be deported immediately after sentencing and plans to strip asylum seekers convicted of notifiable sex offences of their right to claim refugee protection under new powers in the Borders Security, Asylum & Immigration Bill.
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.”
