‘Deport now, Appeal Later’ policy by UK to include Indians

India is among 15 new countries added to the UK’s expanded ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ policy, which nearly triples its scope from eight to 23 nations. The move will allow the UK to send Indian nationals convicted of crimes back to India before they can appeal their deportation, with hearings to be conducted remotely via video link.

The UK Home Office says the change will prevent foreign offenders from using lengthy appeal processes to remain in Britain after completing their sentences. Officials argue this will ease pressure on prisons and cut taxpayer costs.

Since July 2024, the UK has removed nearly 5,200 foreign criminals, a 14% increase year-on-year  and is seeking agreements with more countries to join the programme. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed that those who commit crimes “cannot be allowed to manipulate the system.”

In addition to the measures set out above, the government’s Immigration White Paper in May has also set out new plans to tighten the rules around how Article 8 of the Human Rights Act – the ‘right to a family life’ – may be used when appealing against deportation orders or the rejection of asylum claims, to ensure that the UK’s immigration rules are no longer abused.