The UK government has significantly widened its fast-track deportation scheme for convicted foreign offenders, adding 15 new countries to its ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ policy.
The expansion, announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, now brings the total number of participating countries to 23, up from the original eight included when the scheme was first launched in 2014 under Theresa May’s tenure as Home Secretary.
The newly added countries include India, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Kenya, and Uganda, alongside others, in a move aimed at stopping foreign criminals from “exploiting the immigration system” and ensuring removals are processed without lengthy legal delays.
How the Policy Works
Under the ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ framework, convicted foreign nationals can still appeal deportation decisions but only from outside the UK. The approach is grounded in Section 94B of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, a provision originally linked to the UK’s “hostile environment” immigration strategy.
The Home Office says the measure is part of a wider immigration enforcement overhaul, designed to cut the number of foreign offenders remaining in the country while legal battles drag on.
Countries Added in August 2025
The following countries joined the scheme in August 2025:
- Angola
- Australia
- Botswana
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Guyana
- India
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Uganda
- Zambia
They join the original eight: Albania, Belize, Estonia, Finland, Kosovo, Mauritius, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
Officials have confirmed that more nations could be added in the future, depending on bilateral agreements and diplomatic cooperation.
While the UK government insists the policy targets only foreign nationals convicted of crimes and sentenced to prison, critics argue that deporting individuals before their appeals are heard undermines the right to a fair trial.
Human rights groups highlight several concerns, including:
- Limited internet access for appellants abroad
- Language barriers during legal proceedings
- Reduced access to legal representation
They warn that these factors create serious disadvantages for individuals forced to challenge their deportation from their home countries.
The Home Office maintains that the scheme is about law enforcement and public safety, pointing to recent removal figures as proof of its impact.
Since July 2024, the government says it has deported 5,200 foreign offenders; a 14% increase compared to the previous year.
“Those who commit crimes in our country cannot be allowed to manipulate the system,” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said. “We are restoring control and sending a clear message.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy added:
“If they want to appeal, they can do so safely from their home country.”
