The United Kingdom has unveiled plans to deport foreign offenders immediately after sentencing.
The move, which the Government says will free up prison space, save taxpayers money and protect the public, marks the most aggressive deportation timeline in the country’s history.
Under current rules, most foreign nationals serving determinate sentences are deported after completing 50 percent of their jail term.
From September, that threshold will be reduced to 30%. Once new legislation is passed, deportations will take place immediately after sentencing for the majority of cases.
According to the UK Government, foreign nationals account for around 12 percent of the prison population, with each prison place costing an average of £54,000 annually.
Nearly 5,200 foreign offenders have been deported since July 2024, representing a 14% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
The policy will not apply to terrorists, murderers, or others serving life sentences, who will still be required to serve their full terms.
Authorities will also have the power to prevent deportation in cases where there is evidence that a prisoner poses an ongoing threat to national security or plans to commit further crimes.
Shabana Mahmood, Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, described the decision as part of the Government’s “Plan for Change.”
She said deportations were already on the rise but would now take place “earlier than ever before. Our message is clear: if you abuse our hospitality and break our laws, we will send you packing.”
The Government is also working to speed up removals through other measures, including the creation of returns hubs to process cases more quickly, a new returns treaty with France to send back small boat arrivals, and changes to the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights to make it easier to deport foreign criminals.
The proposed law, which requires parliamentary approval, will be introduced in the coming months. If passed, it will apply not only to future offenders but also to those currently in custody.
The announcement comes shortly after another UK-based Nigerian was handed a five-year prison sentence for rape.
