Guyana has been named among 15 countries whose nationals convicted of crimes in the UK could be deported before their human rights appeals are heard, under an expanded “deport now, appeal later” policy.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the move targets foreign criminals who have been “exploiting” the immigration system by “remaining in the UK for months or even years while their appeals drag on.” The scheme allows deportations to proceed once a human rights claim has been rejected, with any subsequent appeals heard via video link from overseas.
The expansion, which also includes India, Bulgaria, Australia, Angola, Botswana, Brunei, Canada, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, and Zambia, is part of the UK government’s wider push to speed up removals and reduce pressure on its overcrowded prison system.
Cooper added: “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 UK Home Office said the policy shift will “scale-up” the country’s ability to remove offenders, though it could not provide estimates on how many deportations might take place, noting that decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the changes would save £54,000 a year per prison place.
Since Labour took office last year, nearly 5,200 foreign offenders have been deported — a 14 percent increase on the previous year. However, official figures from the end of June show just 772 prisoners from the 15 newly added countries are currently behind bars in the UK.
The “deport now, appeal later” provision was first introduced in 2014 but was limited by a 2017 Supreme Court ruling, which required that deportees be able to give live evidence via video link if needed. The UK currently has arrangements for such video appeals with eight countries, including Tanzania, Belize, Finland, and Estonia.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the government is “leading diplomatic efforts to increase the number of countries where foreign criminals can be swiftly returned,” adding, “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.”
The expansion comes as the UK continues to grapple with record small boat arrivals, with 435 migrants brought ashore on Saturday — the highest daily total since its “one-in, one-out” agreement with France was announced.
