Foreign criminals will, for the first time, face immediate deportation after sentencing as part of the government’s plans to strengthen border security.
The change follows legislation introduced by the government in June, which will mean most foreign prisoners can now be deported after serving 30% of their prison time, rather than 50%.
The government has announced it will go even further – stripping back a decades-old law to introduce new powers for immediate deportation from prison.
Offenders who are deported are barred from re-entering the UK, keeping their victims and the wider public safe. Terrorists, murderers and others serving life sentences will continue to have to serve their prison sentence before being considered for deportation.
Ramping up removals of foreign national offenders has been a priority for the current government, with almost 5,200 deported since July 2024 – an increase of 14% compared to the same 12 months prior. It has also invested £5 million for the deployment of specialist staff to almost 80 jails with one clear mission – speeding up removals. These are all now in post.
The changes will apply to prisoners serving fixed-term, or determinate, sentences and discretion not to use the measure on a case-by-case basis will be retained. For example, where there is clear evidence that a prisoner is planning further crimes against UK interests, such as posing a threat to national security, they will not be released.
Foreign offenders make up around 12% percent of the total prison population, with prison places costing £54,000 a year on average.
The measures will apply to all foreign national offenders already in custody as well as those newly sentenced, ensuring that taxpayers’ money will not be wasted on incarcerating foreign criminals in the future.
“This Government is taking radical action to deport foreign criminals, as part of our Plan for Change. Deportations are up under this Government, and with this new law, they will happen earlier than ever before,” said Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood
“Our message is clear: if you abuse our hospitality and break our laws, we will send you packing.”
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