The UK government has announced it will significantly expand its 'Deport First, Appeal Later' scheme, increasing the number of countries involved from 8 to 23. The aim is to accelerate the deportation of foreign criminals and curb their use of appeals to delay removal, further rectifying the immigration system.
Under this scheme, foreign nationals from 23 countries whose human rights claims are rejected will be sent back to their home country before they can appeal. They will have the opportunity to participate in UK appeal hearings remotely via video. Previously, criminals from these countries might have stayed in the UK for months or even years while waiting for their appeals, remaining a burden on taxpayers even after serving their sentences.
According to UK government data, about 5,200 foreign criminals have been deported since July 2024, a 14% increase over the previous 12 months. In addition to expanding the scheme, the government has introduced a set of complementary measures: allowing foreign criminals to be deported immediately after sentencing, saving taxpayer money; and deploying dedicated staff in prisons to accelerate the deportation process.
UK Home Secretary Cooper said that the longstanding abuse of the immigration system by foreign criminals—using lengthy appeals to remain in the UK—must end. The government is regaining control and sending a clear message that the law will be adhered to and enforced.
UK Foreign Secretary Lammy added that the UK is working diplomatically to increase the number of countries to which criminals can be quickly deported.