File picture of Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Photo : AP
New Delhi: India is among the countries being added to an expanded UK government list of countries where foreign criminals will be deported once they are sentenced before their appeals. The move, the UK government said, was part of measures to crack down on rising migration to the country. Under the “Deport Now Appeal Later” scheme, foreign nationals from these countries who have had their human rights claim refused will be sent home before their appeal is heard. They will be able to take part in hearings remotely via video link.
“For far too long, foreign criminals have been exploiting our immigration system, remaining in the UK now part of the scheme. That has to end,” said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. “Those who commit crimes in our country cannot be allowed to manipulate the system, which is why we are restoring control and sending a clear message that our laws must be respected and will be enforced.”
How “Deport Now Appeal Later” Scheme Works
Until now, an Indian national was allowed to remain in UK while appealing the decision. This, however, will change with India now part of the scheme. Under this scheme, eligible individuals are removed to their home country first, and then take part in their UK appeal hearing remotely — usually via video link.
Who it Applies to
Introduced in 2014 under the Immigration Act, the scheme was aimed at foreign criminals sentenced to a prison sentence of at least 12 months.
The policy will apply in cases where the Home Office believes removal before the appeal would not cause “serious irreversible harm” or breach human rights obligations. The Home Office says the measure prevents people from using the appeals process to delay deportation for months or years, and ensures quicker enforcement against those convicted of crimes.
List of Countries in the Scheme
The list originally covered eight countries – Finland, Nigeria, Estonia, Albania, Belize, Mauritius, Tanzania and Kosovo. The scheme has now expanded to 23 countries, which are:
India
Angola
Australia
Botswana
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Guyana
Indonesia
Kenya
Latvia
Lebanon
Malaysia
Uganda
Zambia
The UK government said it remains in continuous discussions with “a range of other countries about joining the scheme”.
“We are leading diplomatic efforts to increase the number of countries where foreign criminals can be swiftly returned, and if they want to appeal, they can do so safely from their home country. Under this scheme, we’re investing in international partnerships that uphold our security and make our streets safer,” said Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Additionally, the UK government said it is legislating to ensure that asylum seekers who commit notifiable sex offences can be stripped of their right to claim refugee protection under new powers in the Borders Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
It is said to have invested GBP 5 million for the deployment of specialist staff to almost 80 jails around England and Wales to speed up removals and deportations.
According to official data referenced by the MoJ, foreign offenders make up around 12 per cent of the total prison population, with prison places costing GBP 54,000 a year on average.
The tougher new measures will apply to all foreign national offenders already in custody as well as those newly sentenced, with legislation to be tabled in Parliament in the next session.
