London, August 11 /BNA/ – The British government today announced a plan to expand a program allowing the deportation of foreign criminals before the appeal of their sentences, as part of efforts to address prison overcrowding and ease pressures related to immigration issues.

British Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood stated that the number of countries covered by this program will nearly triple to 23 countries, enabling the deportation of convicted nationals from these countries immediately after their sentences are issued.

The ministry explained that this new measure will “enhance the UK’s ability to deport foreign criminals at the earliest opportunity,” noting that 5,200 foreign criminals have already been deported since July 2024, an increase of 14% compared to last year.

This decision comes amid increasing political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, as the right-wing Reform Party led by Nigel Farage makes notable gains in opinion polls, focusing on immigration and crime issues.

Under the new system, deported individuals will be able to submit their appeals from their home countries using video technology, with 15 new countries added to the current list that includes Tanzania, Finland, and Estonia.

The newly added countries include Latvia, Bulgaria, Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, as well as Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, and Malaysia.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Foreign criminals have long exploited our immigration system, managing to remain in the UK for months or years while their appeals are considered,” stressing that “this situation must change.”

It is noted that foreign criminals make up about 12% of the UK’s prison population, and these measures are part of a series of reforms announced by the Labour government to address immigration and crime issues.