UK Expands Deportation Scheme to 23 Countries Before Appeals

The UK government is expanding its 'deport now, appeal later' scheme to include foreign criminals from 15 additional countries, increasing the total to 23 nations such as India, Bulgaria, Australia, Canada, and several African and Asian countries. This policy allows offenders, whose human rights claims against removal have been rejected, to be deported before their appeals are heard, which will now take place via video link from their home countries. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that the expansion aims to stop foreign criminals from exploiting the UK immigration system by prolonging their stay through lengthy appeals. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood also announced plans to change the law so most foreign criminals will be deported immediately after sentencing, which is expected to ease prison overcrowding and save costs. The move reflects the Labour government’s response to domestic pressures on immigration and crime, especially amid rising support for right-wing parties focusing on these issues. However, the policy has faced criticism from some former Conservative justice secretaries who warn that deporting offenders before they serve sentences in the UK could make the country a magnet for foreign criminals.