The UK government has extended its ‘Deport Now,
Appeal Later’ policy to include 15 additional countries, nearly tripling
the number covered under the fast-track deportation scheme for convicted
foreign offenders.
The new additions — including India, Canada,
Australia, and Malaysia — bring the total to 23 nations, up from the
original eight introduced in 2014 under then-Home Secretary Theresa May.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the expansion is
aimed at preventing criminals from “exploiting our immigration system”
and ensuring their removal is “fast-tracked.” The scheme, based on Section 94B
of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, requires deported
individuals to lodge any appeals from outside the UK.
“Those who commit crimes in our country
cannot be allowed to manipulate the system,” Cooper stressed. “We
are restoring control and sending a clear message.”
Countries Newly Added in August 2025:
Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Guyana, India,
Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, Zambia.
Original 2014 List:
Albania, Belize, Estonia, Finland, Kosovo, Mauritius, Nigeria, Tanzania.
Controversy Over Fair Trial Rights
The scheme applies to foreign nationals convicted and
sentenced to prison in the UK, enabling deportation before in-person appeals
can be heard. Critics argue this undermines the right to a fair trial and makes
appeals more difficult due to internet access issues, language barriers, and
lack of legal representation abroad.
Since July 2024, the UK has deported 5,200 foreign
offenders, up 14% from the previous year. Foreign Secretary David Lammy
defended the approach, saying appeals can still be lodged “safely from their
home country.”
The Home Office has indicated more countries could be
added, depending on future agreements and diplomatic cooperation.
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