Introduction
The UK Home Office has announced a major expansion of its ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ scheme, nearly tripling its scope from 8 countries to 23. Under this policy, foreign nationals convicted of crimes in the UK will be deported immediately after sentencing, with any appeals heard remotely via video link from overseas.
India is among the new countries added to this list, which has significant implications for both migrant employees and the sponsor licence holders who employ them.
📖 Read the full announcement on GOV.UK
What is the ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ Scheme?
The scheme was originally introduced to prevent convicted foreign offenders from delaying their removal by launching lengthy appeal processes while remaining in the UK.
- Once convicted, offenders will be deported before their appeal is heard.
- Any appeals must be lodged and processed from their home country via remote technology.
- This move aims to reduce pressure on the UK’s courts and prisons, while reinforcing stricter immigration enforcement.
Why Has the Policy Been Expanded?
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper explained the reasoning behind this expansion:
“For far too long, foreign criminals have been exploiting our immigration system, remaining in the UK for months or even years while their appeals drag on. That has to end.”
She 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 government has positioned this move as part of a broader crackdown on rising migration and delays in offender removal.
Countries Now Covered by the Scheme
The expanded list covers 23 countries, including:
- India
- Albania
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Jamaica
- Brazil
- Serbia
- And more (with further expansions expected in the future).
This marks a significant shift, especially as India represents one of the largest migrant workforces in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa route.
What This Means for Migrant Workers
For most skilled migrant workers and law-abiding employees, this policy does not directly impact day-to-day immigration status. However, it does send a clear message:
- Any criminal conviction could now result in immediate deportation before the appeals process concludes.
- Appeals will need to be pursued remotely from the home country, which may be more challenging legally and logistically.
- Migrants must remain fully compliant with UK laws and visa conditions to avoid falling within this framework.
What Employers and Sponsor Licence Holders Should Do
Sponsor licence holders should take note of this change, as it reinforces the Home Office’s emphasis on compliance and risk management. Employers should:
- Strengthen due diligence when hiring migrant workers, especially with Right to Work checks.
- Maintain clear HR records (visa status, absence logs, Appendix D documentation).
- Act quickly if an employee faces criminal charges or immigration issues.
- Ensure that all sponsored workers understand their legal responsibilities in the UK.
By staying proactive, employers can protect their sponsor licence and avoid reputational or compliance risks.
Wider Government Crackdown
This move is not happening in isolation. It is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the UK’s immigration system and enforce compliance.
The Home Office press release highlighted:
“This represents the Government’s latest tool in its comprehensive approach to scaling up our ability to remove foreign criminals. This has seen almost 5,200 removed since July 2024 – an increase of 14% compared to the same 12 months prior and builds on wider action to deliver on the British public’s priorities for safer streets and secure borders through our Plan for Change.”
The figures show the government’s determination to step up deportations and deliver visible results.
Conclusion
The UK’s expansion of the ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ scheme to 23 countries — including India — highlights the government’s determination to tighten immigration controls and fast-track the removal of foreign offenders.
For migrant employees, the message is clear: stay compliant, respect UK laws, and avoid risks that could jeopardize your right to live and work in the country.
For employers and sponsor licence holders, this is a reminder to double down on HR compliance and worker due diligence.
👉 If you are a sponsor licence holder or migrant worker who needs guidance on compliance responsibilities, record-keeping, or understanding the impact of new Home Office policies, we can help.