India among 15 nations added as UK triples scope of fast-track deportation programme
India has been added to the UK’s expanded ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ policy, which now covers 23 countries—up from just eight earlier. Under the scheme, Indian nationals convicted of crimes in Britain can be deported to India before their appeals are heard, with proceedings to be conducted remotely via video link, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
The UK says the move will curb delays, reduce prison pressure, and save taxpayer money.
According to the UK Home Office, foreign offenders often exploit lengthy appeal processes to stay in Britain even after serving their sentences. The new expansion is aimed at closing that loophole. Since July 2024, the UK has removed nearly 5,200 foreign criminals, marking a 14% year-on-year increase.
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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those who commit crimes “cannot be allowed to manipulate the system”
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The UK is also negotiating with more countries to sign up for the programme
Legal reforms on the horizon
The government’s Immigration White Paper, published in May, has also proposed stricter rules on the use of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act—which protects the “right to family life”—in appeals against deportation and asylum rejections. Officials argue this change will further ensure immigration rules are not misused.
