London – The British government announced Monday an expansion of its program to deport foreign criminals before they can appeal court rulings, in a move aimed at easing prison overcrowding and improving the handling of immigration cases.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the number of countries covered by the scheme will rise to 23—nearly triple the current figure—allowing offenders from these nations to be removed immediately after sentencing, without waiting for the outcome of appeals.
The Ministry of Justice said the new policy is designed to “strengthen the UK’s ability to remove foreign criminals as quickly as possible,” noting that since July 2024, more than 5,200 foreign offenders have been deported—up 14% from the previous year.
The announcement comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government faces mounting political pressure, particularly with growing support for Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform Party, which has centered its rhetoric on immigration and security issues.
Under the new rules, deportees will be able to lodge appeals from their home countries via video link. The expanded list of countries now includes Latvia, Bulgaria, Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, and Malaysia, joining the existing roster that already covers Tanzania, Finland, and Estonia.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said foreign criminals had “for too long exploited loopholes in the immigration system, allowing them to remain in the country for extended periods during appeals,” adding that “this is no longer acceptable and must change.”
Official figures show that foreign nationals make up about 12% of the UK’s prison population. The measure is part of a broader series of reforms launched by the new government to address mounting challenges in immigration and domestic security.