India added to UK’s ‘Deport Now Appeal Later’ list for foreign criminals: What it means

As part of the scheme, convicted foreign nationals can be removed from the UK immediately after sentencing

The UK government has expanded its “Deport Now Appeal Later” scheme to cover 23 countries, including India. The policy grants British authorities the power to deport foreign nationals convicted of criminal offenses prior to the completion of their legal appeals process.

In an announcement on Sunday, the UK Home Office confirmed that the scope of its “Deport Now Appeal Later” scheme will be nearly trebled from eight countries to 23, with foreign nationals from such countries to be deported to their home countries before they can appeal against that decision.

Under the expanded scheme, foreign nationals from these countries who have had their human rights claim refused will be sent to their home country before they can appeal the decision. 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 for months or even years while their appeals drag on. 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.”

The list of countries covered under the remote hearing scheme, revived in 2023 by then Conservative home secretary Suella Braverman, included Finland, Nigeria, Estonia, Albania, Belize, Mauritius, Tanzania and Kosovo.

With the recent announcement, the list now includes – India, Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Guyana, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda and Zambia.

What is the ‘Deport Now Appeal Later’ policy and what happens after India's inclusion?

To prevent foreign offenders from using protracted appeal processes to delay deportation, a new policy was introduced in 2014 under the UK’s Immigration Act. The measure was temporarily suspended after facing legal challenges but was reinstated in 2023. The new version of the policy now includes specific safeguards to protect vulnerable people.

As part of the scheme, convicted foreign nationals can be removed from the UK immediately after sentencing. Moreover, any appeals against the deportation order take place remotely, often via video link, from the offender’s home country.

With India now joining the list, Indian nationals convicted in the UK – for several crimes from theft to drug trafficking – can be deported before their appeals are heard. Once they are sent back, they can continue with the appeal process remotely.

This means that:

Loss of in-person appeals: Being physically absent from court can make it harder for defendants to participate effectively in their cases.

Risk of avoiding UK sentences: Unless there is a bilateral enforcement arrangement, deported individuals may not serve the rest of their prison term in India.

Increased urgency for legal defence: Lawyers will have less time to prepare appeal cases before deportation.

Impact on families: Families living in the UK could face separation or logistical challenges in supporting an appeal from overseas.

Why has the list been expanded?

Foreign nationals make up around 12 per cent of the UK prison population, with prison places costing GBP 54,000 a year on average, according to the Ministry of Justice.

Around 5,200 foreign offenders were deported between July 2024 and June 2025 -- an increase of 14 per cent over the previous year.