India has been added to the United Kingdom's list of countries whose citizens can be deported before their appeals are heard. This "deport now, appeal later" scheme, which has been expanded to include a total of 23 countries, aims to expedite the removal of foreign criminals and reduce the burden on the UK's immigration system.

Under the revised policy, Indian nationals convicted of crimes in the UK may be deported to India before they have the opportunity to appeal their deportation in person. Instead, they will be required to participate in any appeal hearings remotely via video link from India.

The UK Home Office has confirmed that the "Deport Now Appeal Later" scheme will nearly triple in scope, increasing from the original eight countries to 23. The countries newly added to the list alongside India include Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Guyana, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, and Zambia. The initial list included Finland, Nigeria, Estonia, Albania, Belize, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Kosovo.

The UK government has stated that this measure is intended to prevent foreign criminals from exploiting the immigration system by remaining in the UK for extended periods while their appeals are processed. According to the Home Office, offenders from the countries on the expanded list were previously able to stay in the UK for months or even years, placing an additional burden on British taxpayers.

Exceptions to the policy will be made for individuals serving time for terrorism, murder, and other life sentences, who will still be required to complete their prison sentences in the UK before being considered for deportation.

The UK government has also indicated that it is in ongoing discussions with other countries about potentially joining the scheme in the future.

According to figures released by the UK government, approximately 5,200 foreign nationals have been deported since July 2024, representing a 14% increase compared to the previous year. The government has emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen border security and ensure that foreign criminals are removed from the UK promptly.

The Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has stated that the message to foreign nationals is clear: if they break the law in the UK, they will be deported. The policy aims to restore control over the immigration system and send a strong signal that UK laws must be respected and enforced. Deported individuals will be barred from re-entering the UK. Once deported to India, it will be up to the Indian authorities to decide whether they are sent to prison or released.

As of June 30, 2025, there were 320 Indian prisoners in England and Wales. The British government is also seeking to address prison overcrowding.