Foreign criminals from Nigeria, India, Canada and 20 other nations now face immediate deportation after sentencing.
The UK Government has significantly expanded its controversial fast-track deportation programme, adding 15 new countries to its ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ list. The policy now covers 23 nations, including Nigeria, India, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia, allowing authorities to remove convicted foreign nationals immediately after sentencing.
Under this hardline approach, foreign criminals can no longer remain in the UK while challenging their deportation orders. Instead, they must pursue appeals from their home countries, marking a decisive shift in Britain’s immigration enforcement strategy.
Immediate Impact on Foreign Nationals
The expanded policy affects citizens from both the original eight countries and 15 newly added nations. Countries previously covered include Nigeria, Albania, Kosovo, Estonia, Finland, Mauritius, Belize, and Tanzania.
New additions announced this month are Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, and Zambia. Officials indicate more countries may join the list pending diplomatic agreements.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the expansion, stating: “Those who commit crimes in our country cannot be allowed to manipulate the system. We are restoring control and sending a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.”
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Policy Background and Legal Framework
The deportation scheme operates under Section 94B of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, originally introduced in 2014 during Theresa May’s tenure as Home Secretary. The policy was temporarily suspended in 2017 following Supreme Court concerns about fair access to appeals, but was reinstated in 2023 with improved overseas appeal infrastructure.
The government argues the system prevents lengthy legal delays while maintaining appeal rights. However, critics contend that remote appeals disadvantage defendants who face language barriers, limited legal representation, and restricted access to evidence while abroad.
Enforcement Results
Government figures show 5,200 foreign offenders have been removed since July 2024, representing a 14% increase from the previous year. The Home Office says this demonstrates the policy’s effectiveness in expediting removals of individuals who have lost their right to remain in Britain.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised the policy’s fairness, noting: “Appeal rights remain intact. Those affected can pursue their cases safely from their home countries through established remote procedures.”
Controversy and Concerns
Human rights organisations have consistently opposed the policy, arguing it undermines due process and creates practical barriers to effective legal representation. They highlight particular concerns for individuals with family ties in the UK or those facing persecution in their home countries.
The policy creates a notable contradiction for the current Labour government, as several ministers, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, previously criticised similar measures while in opposition.
What This Means
For law-abiding foreign nationals from affected countries, the policy poses no direct threat. However, those facing criminal proceedings now confront immediate deportation following any custodial sentence, regardless of appeal intentions.
The expansion reflects Britain’s broader immigration enforcement tightening, balancing public demands for swift justice against concerns about fair legal processes. As the government considers adding more countries to the list, the policy’s long-term impact on Britain’s international relationships and legal reputation remains to be seen.