The UK government has significantly widened its controversial “Deport Now, Appeal Later” scheme, increasing the number of eligible countries from eight to 23, now including India, Australia, Canada, Kenya, and others. This move is part of an effort to speed up removals of foreign offenders and ease prison overcrowding.
What the Policy Means
Under the updated policy, foreigners convicted of crimes in the UK—from the newly added countries—can be deported immediately after sentencing. This removes their ability to stay in the UK while appealing the decision. Instead, appeals must be conducted remotely via video link from their home country.
Those convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism or murder, and those serving life sentences, remain subject to traditional legal processes and must serve their full sentences in the UK before deportation.
Government’s Justification
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that this expansion is necessary to prevent offenders from exploiting the system.
“For too long, foreign criminals have remained in the UK for months or even years while appeals drag on. That has to end,”
she said.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood added that the UK will also move to deport offenders immediately after sentencing—rather than waiting until they serve a percentage of their term—subject to forthcoming legislation.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised diplomacy, noting that the UK is actively working with more countries to accept rapid returns and ensure appeals can happen “safely from their home country.”
Previously, the list of countries covered included Finland, Nigeria, Estonia, Albania, Belize, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Kosovo. The new additions are: Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, and Zambia. Of the 23 countries now listed, nearly all offenders will have their deportation process expedited under this model.
Impact on Indian and Australian Nationals
The policy change means:
- No in-country appeal: Convicted Indian or Australian nationals can no longer remain in the UK during removal proceedings. Appeals must be lodged and argued from overseas via video.
- Faster deportations: Especially after September 2025, when legislation will further reduce detention requirements to as little as 30% of served sentences before removal, to eliminate the threshold in some cases.
While intended to tackle abuse of immigration appeals and reduce prison costs (estimated at £54,000 per inmate per year), the policy has drawn criticism.
Legal advocates warn that remote appeals can hamper access to legal representation or evidence, especially under tight timelines.
Alex Chalk, former Justice Secretary, condemned the scheme, warning that rapists and violent offenders could effectively “escape punishment,” being deported swiftly and endangering community trust in the justice system.
Contextual Numbers
- As of mid‑2025, foreign nationals make up around 12% of the UK prison population.
- Since July 2024, 5,200 foreign offenders have been deported, a 14% increase compared to the prior year.
- The Home Office is reportedly deploying video appeal infrastructure and legal support to manage the shift overseas.
With India and Australia newly added to the UK’s “Deport Now, Appeal Later” scheme, foreign nationals convicted of crimes face significantly faster removals. While the UK government hails this as a practical response to systemic delays and overcrowding, critics continue to raise concerns about the sufficiency of legal safeguards and the integrity of remote legal processes.
As Parliament prepares to debate further legislative changes later this year, close public monitoring will be critical—especially for affected communities and their advocates.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
