UK to Deport Foreign Prisoners Sooner Under New Legislation

Under the revised Early Removal Scheme, eligible foreign prisoners will now face deportation after serving just 30% of their sentence, compared to the current 50%. For those on certain fixed-term sentences, deportation could occur after only 10% of their time served — a significant shift from the previous threshold of 20–25%.

The removal window has also been extended from 18 to 48 months before the end of a sentence, giving authorities greater flexibility to arrange deportations earlier.

These measures are part of the government’s Plan for Change, which seeks to restore control over the UK’s borders. Since last year, deportations of foreign offenders have increased by 14%, with 4,436 removals recorded in the past year alone. Foreign nationals currently make up 12% of the UK prison population, and this policy could free up around 500 prison places annually, saving millions of pounds — with each prison spot costing £54,000 per year.

Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood said:

“With prisons close to bursting, we shouldn’t be giving bed and board to foreign criminals. These changes will get more of them on planes out of the country much sooner, saving taxpayers’ money and keeping our streets safe.”

Deported offenders are permanently barred from re-entering the UK. Any attempt to return will result in their original sentence being reactivated immediately.

The changes exclude those convicted of terrorism-related offences and apply only to determinate sentences. The policy remains discretionary, meaning deportation can be denied in certain cases, such as if a risk of future crime is identified.

The new rules are expected to take effect from September 2025, pending Parliamentary approval.