UK expands ‘deport now, appeal later’ policy to 15 more countries 

The UK government has widened its controversial fast-track deportation scheme for convicted foreign offenders, adding 15 new countries to its “Deport Now, Appeal Later” list. The expansion brings the total number of nations covered under the policy to 23.

The newly included countries — among them India, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia — join the original eight nations first covered when the scheme was introduced in 2014 under then-Home Secretary Theresa May. The move nearly triples the programme’s original scope.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the measure was aimed at preventing foreign criminals from “exploiting our immigration system” and ensuring their swift removal from the UK.

Under the scheme, foreign nationals convicted of crimes and sentenced to prison in the UK may be deported before they can appeal their removal in person. While they retain the right to challenge deportation decisions, they must do so from outside the country.

The policy is rooted in Section 94B of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, a provision originally created to bolster the UK’s “hostile environment” approach to immigration control.

Countries Recently Added (August 2025): Angola; Australia; Botswana; Brunei; Bulgaria; Canada; Guyana; India; Indonesia; Kenya; Latvia; Lebanon; Malaysia; Uganda; Zambia.

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Original Eight Countries: Albania; Belize; Estonia; Finland; Kosovo; Mauritius; Nigeria and Tanzania

The Home Office indicated that more countries could be added, subject to bilateral agreements and diplomatic cooperation.

The Home Office says the initiative is part of a broader immigration enforcement overhaul designed to cut the number of foreign offenders remaining in the UK while lengthy legal challenges play out.

Since July 2024, the government claims to have deported 5,200 foreign offenders — a 14% increase on the previous year. “Those who commit crimes in our country cannot be allowed to manipulate the system,” 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.”

The policy has faced sustained criticism from rights groups, who argue that removing individuals before their appeals are heard undermines their right to a fair trial.

Critics point to challenges faced by deported individuals — such as poor internet access, language barriers, and limited legal support — which can weaken their ability to pursue appeals effectively.

Despite the backlash, the UK government maintains that the policy is a necessary tool to ensure that those convicted of serious offences and without the right to remain are promptly removed.