Britain has been handed new powers to deport Foreign criminals before appeal to prevent convicts from "gaming the system".

The latest attempt by the Government to restore order to the UK's immigration system enables more criminals to have their appeals heard from abroad, preventing them from gaming the system to delay their deportation.

The "Deport Now Appeal Later" scheme will include three times as many countries, going from eight to 23 under new plans.

Foreign nationals from India, Bulgaria and Uganda will be included as just three of the 15 new nations where provisions will now operate.

The plans aim to ease the pressure on prison capacity in England and Wales.

After criminals are deported to their country of origin, they can take part in an appeal hearing from overseas using video technology.

Previously, offenders from the countries in question could remain in the UK for months or years while their cases were worked through the appeals system, placing a burden on the taxpayer even beyond the end of their prison sentence.

The Government say that they aim to increase the scheme further, adding more countries once the international agreements are made.

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It follows new proposals that give powers to immediately deport Foreign criminals after being sentenced.

Under the plans first introduced back in June, prisoners can now be deported after serving 30 per cent of their prison time, rather than 50 per cent.

Offenders who are deported will be barred from re-entering the UK under the proposals.

The Government has claimed it has deported 5,200 people since July 2024, an increase of 14 per cent compared to the same 12 months prior.

GETTY | Foreign inmates represent one in eight of the total prison population

It comes after a report suggested Labour must build 53,000 new prison spaces to keep up with demand and ensure criminals are properly punished.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: "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.

"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."

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, added: "We are leading diplomatic efforts to increase the number of countries where foreign criminals can be swiftly returned, and if they want to appeal, they can do so safely from their home country. Under this scheme, we’re investing in international partnerships that uphold our security and make our streets safer."

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The Government has invested £5million for the deployment of specialist staff to almost 80 prisons.

Foreign offenders make up around 12 per cent of the total prison population, with prison places costing £54,000 a year on average.

Speaking on the deportation of Foreign Criminals, a spokesman from Reform UK said: "Until we leave the ECHR, which Labour will never do, the UK will never regain control over who we can and cannot deport.

"Labour won’t be able to deport foreign criminals and doesn’t want to deport illegal migrants. This is a weak Government that lacks the guts to do what the British people want."