The UK government has announced an expansion of its “Deport Now, Appeal Later” scheme, allowing more foreign criminals to be deported before their appeals are heard.
The move is born of the need to reduce delays in deportation and ease pressure on the country’s detention and prison systems.
According to a statement from the UK Home Office, the number of countries covered by the scheme will increase from eight to 23. Foreign nationals from these countries who have had their human rights claims refused will be deported to their home countries before they can appeal, and participate in appeal hearings remotely by video.
Deportation Before Appeal to Reduce System Abuse
Previously, foreign offenders from the listed countries could remain in the UK for extended periods while their appeals were processed, sometimes months or years after their prison sentences ended. The government said this created a burden on taxpayers and the prison system.
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, which is why we are restoring control and sending a clear message that our laws must be respected and will be enforced.”
The scheme is part of the government’s Plan for Change, which moves to improve border security and reduce illegal immigration.
Diplomatic Efforts to Expand Scheme
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, also said the government is working with more countries to expand the scheme further.
“We are leading diplomatic efforts to increase the number of countries where foreign criminals can be swiftly returned, and if they want to appeal, they can do so safely from their home country,” he said.
“Under this scheme, we’re investing in international partnerships that uphold our security and make our streets safer.”
Details inform that the Home Office is in talks with additional countries about joining the scheme.
Additional Measures to Speed Up Deportations
The government has also invested £5 million to deploy specialist staff to nearly 80 prisons, aiming to accelerate the removal of foreign nationals from detention.
On Sunday, the government announced further measures to allow foreign nationals to be deported immediately after sentencing, removing the current delay where offenders must serve part of their sentence before deportation.
In addition, legislation will be introduced under the Borders Security, Asylum & Immigration Bill to prevent asylum seekers who commit notifiable sex offences from claiming refugee protection.
Wider Immigration Reforms Support Deportation Plans
The government’s Immigration White Paper, published in May, outlined plans to tighten rules on how Article 8 of the Human Rights Act — the “right to family life” — may be used to appeal deportation or asylum claim decisions. The changes move to reduce the misuse of immigration rules.
Since July 2024, the government has returned 35,000 people who have no right to remain in the UK. The Plan for Change also includes increasing raids and arrests targeting illegal working by 50%, and boosting asylum decision-making capacity by more than 116%.
The government said these measures collectively aim to strengthen border security and improve the effectiveness of the immigration system.
The expanded “Deport Now, Appeal Later” scheme will apply to 23 countries, including Australia, Bulgaria, and India, among others. The full list was not included in the initial announcement.
This policy forms part of the government’s ongoing effort to address challenges in immigration enforcement, reduce delays, and better manage resources within the UK’s prison and detention estates.
