India has been added to the United Kingdom’s expanded Deport Now, Appeal Later” list, a policy that enables authorities to deport foreign offenders before they can appeal against the decision, according to a report by PTI.
The list now covers 23 nations, up from eight earlier, as part of the UK government’s broader crackdown on migration and delays in removing convicted criminals.
According to a report by PTI, the change could potentially affect around 320 Indian citizens currently serving prison sentences in the UK, based on figures cited by Navbharat Times. Under the new rule, foreign nationals from these countries will be sent back after sentencing, with any appeals handled remotely via video link from overseas.
Explaining the rationale, UK 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.”
Previously, only Finland, Albania, Belize, Nigeria, Estonia, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Kosovo were on the list. The expanded roster now includes India, Angola, Australia, Canada, Guyana, Indonesia, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, and Zambia.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said discussions are ongoing with other nations to join the scheme. “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 stated.
The UK Home Office stated that the move will help alleviate the financial burden on British taxpayers, as offenders from these countries often remain in the UK long after completing their prison sentences.
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