UK to Deport Foreign Criminals Immediately After Sentencing

LONDON — In a sweeping overhaul of its criminal justice and immigration policy, the United Kingdom has announced that foreign criminals will, for the first time, face immediate deportation after sentencing.

The new measure, unveiled on the UK Government’s website, aims to free up prison space, save millions in taxpayer funds, and protect the public from dangerous offenders.

Currently, most foreign nationals serving determinate sentences are deported after completing 50 per cent of their jail term. Under the new rules taking effect in September, they will be removed after serving just 30 per cent of their sentence. Once new legislation is passed, deportation will take place immediately after sentencing for most cases.

The government says the change will not apply to terrorists, murderers, or others serving life sentences, who will still serve their full terms. Authorities will also retain discretion in cases where an offender poses a continuing threat to UK national security.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, described the move as “radical action” under the government’s Plan for Change.

“Deportations are up under this government, and with this new law, they will happen earlier than ever before. Our message is clear: if you abuse our hospitality and break our laws, we will send you packing,” Mahmood said.

Figures show that nearly 5,200 foreign offenders have been deported since July 2024 — a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Foreign nationals currently make up around 12 per cent of the UK prison population, with each prison place costing an average of £54,000 annually.

To further speed up removals, the government is establishing “returns hubs,” negotiating a new returns treaty with France to send back small boat arrivals, and tightening the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights to make deportations easier.

The proposed law will be introduced in Parliament in the coming months and, if approved, will apply to both current inmates and those sentenced in the future.