More foreign criminals to be deported under expanded scheme

As the Home Office adds 15 new countries to its “deport now, appeal later” policy, more foreign criminals will be removed from the United Kingdom before their appeals against deportation are considered. Under the scheme, foreign nationals who commit crimes in the UK will be returned to their home countries before being allowed to lodge an appeal.

The latest additions to the programme – including Canada, India and Australia – bring the total number of participating countries to 23, almost triple the original eight. The Home Office has indicated that this number is expected to increase further. According to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the initiative is designed to prevent foreign offenders from exploiting the immigration system and to fast-track their removal from the country.

Foreign nationals whose claims have been rejected will be barred from returning to the UK and will be able to take part in their appeal hearings remotely via video link from their home countries. Cooper has previously stated that offenders were often able to remain in the UK for months, or even years, while their appeals were processed.

“That has to end. Too many criminals in our country have been able to manipulate the system. This is why we are restoring authority and making it clear that our laws will be enforced,” she said.

Ministers argue that increasing deportations will help ease the overcrowding crisis in prisons. Facilities in England and Wales are under severe strain, with occupancy rates close to 100%. As of June 2025, there were 10,772 foreign prisoners in England and Wales – around 12% of the total prison population. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate prison systems.

Albanians form the largest group of foreign offenders in England and Wales, with 1,193 in custody as of June 2025, followed by 707 Irish nationals, and 317 Pakistani nationals. Of the 15 newly added countries in the policy, there were 774 prisoners in total – around 7% of the international prison population – with Indians being the only nationality from this group to feature among the largest numbers of foreign offenders.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy endorsed the decision, saying the UK is working to expand the number of countries to which foreign criminals can be returned.

However, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the government, saying:
“This issue will not go away until Keir Starmer decides to deport all foreign criminals or stops rolling out the red carpet for migrants from around the world.”

The move follows the Justice Secretary’s announcement on Sunday of plans to deport foreign offenders immediately after they are given a custodial sentence. Under the proposals, many sentenced to fixed terms in England and Wales could be removed straight away and barred from returning to the UK.

“If international criminals abuse our hospitality and break our laws, they will be sent packing,” Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said.

The government claims the new powers – which require parliamentary approval – could save taxpayers’ money and improve public safety. However, Shadow Justice Minister Robert Jenrick warned that some countries may refuse to accept deported offenders.

Sir Keir Starmer has suggested that, if countries refuse to take back their nationals, the UK should consider suspending visa arrangements and foreign aid.

According to government figures, foreign prisoners account for around 12% of the prison population, with each prison place costing an average of £54,000 per year.