LONDON, United Kingdom (CMC) – Guyana is the lone Caribbean Community (Caricom) country named in 15 new countries under the United Kingdom’s “deport now, appeal later” scheme as the European country seeks to send foreigners who commit crimes in the United Kingdom back to their home countries before they can appeal against the decision.

London has named Canada, India and Australia in the new list, bringing the total to 23 with the Home Office saying more could follow in the future.

The other countries named are Angola, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda and Zambia.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says expansion of the scheme is to prevent foreign criminals from “exploiting” the UK’s immigration system and to fast-track their removals.

Under the new scheme, foreign nationals who have had their claim refused will be expelled from the UK and can take part in their appeal hearings from their home countries via video link.

Cooper said previously offenders were able to remain in the UK “for months or even years” while their cases worked through the appeals system.

“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,” she added.

The British government has argued that increasing deportations will ease the overcrowding crisis in prisons with official figures showing that prisons in England and Wales are facing significant capacity challenges, with occupancy levels nearing 100 per cent.

According to the figures there are 10, 772 foreign offenders in prisons here or 12.3 per cent  of the total prison population, as of June 2025.

There are 774 prisoners from the 15 new countries covered by “deport now, appeal later” initiative with the figures showing that of the new countries, only Indians are in the most numerous nationalities among current prisoners.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy, whose parents are Guyanese nationals, welcomed the decision and said the UK was working to increase the number of other countries where foreign criminals can be returned.

Shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, welcomed the move, adding “but even with this U-turn, only the Conservative Party is committed to deporting all foreign criminals”.

The new move by the British government comes after the justice secretary announced on Sunday new plans to deport foreign criminals immediately after they have received a custodial sentence.

Under the proposals for England and Wales, those who are given fixed-term sentences could be deported straight away and would be barred from re-entering the UK.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said that foreign criminals would be sent “packing” if they “abuse our hospitality and break our laws”.

The government said that the new powers , which require Parliament’s approval, would save taxpayers money and increase public safety.