The UK government has announced a £5 million investment to speed up the deportation of foreign national offenders (FNOs), aiming to reduce prison overcrowding and save taxpayers’ money.
Key Measures in the Deportation Drive
The funding will enable the deployment of a specialist crack squad to 80 prisons across England and Wales, focusing on:
- Fast-tracking the removal of foreign national offenders
- Supporting the Home Office in identifying and managing deportation cases
- Ensuring cases move through the immigration process as swiftly as possible
With foreign national offenders making up around 12% of the prison population, the government believes this move will ease pressure on the prison system while ensuring that criminals with no right to remain are swiftly deported.
Increase in Deportations
Since July 2024, deportations of foreign national offenders have risen by 23%, with 2,580 individuals removed compared to the same period in 2023.
Government Statement
James Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending, said:
“It cannot be right for British taxpayers to foot the bill for jailing foreign criminals who have brought misery to our communities.
“Under this government, removals are up by nearly a quarter. We’re now taking action to ensure this is done swifter, easing pressure on overcrowded prisons and on the public purse.
“This is part of our Plan for Change – fixing the broken prison system we inherited and keeping our streets safe.”
New Specialist Roles to Oversee Removals
The investment will create 82 specialist roles, with staff expected to be fully operational by 1 April 2025.
Further Information on the Early Removal Scheme
- Thousands of FNOs are already removed through the Early Removal Scheme, allowing deportation up to 18 months before the end of their custodial sentence.
- Some FNOs are transferred to serve their sentences in their home countries, further reducing UK prison numbers.
The government is determined to continue removing foreign criminals swiftly, strengthening border control, and reducing strain on the criminal justice system.
