The United Kingdom Plans to Deport Foreign Criminals to Free Up Space in Detention Centers

• The deportation of foreign criminals is set to increase to 0% of the detention capacity
• The cost of maintaining one detainee is £54,000
• The government plans to create 14,000 new spaces in detention centers

The United Kingdom intends to deport foreign criminals in order to free up space in detention centers, according to new government proposals. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that criminals will be deported immediately after sentencing, rather than after 30% of their detention term.

This legislative project, which is to be discussed by Parliament, would allow for the deportation of most foreign criminals without detention. However, serious offenders, such as terrorists and murderers, will continue to serve their sentences in the United Kingdom.

The government also may not deport criminals who pose a threat to national security. Officials noted that the deportation of foreign criminals increased by 14% over the last year, while detention centers operate at 97.5% of their capacity.

The cost of maintaining one detainee in the medium-term stands at £54,000 per year. The government plans to create another 14,000 spaces in detention centers by 2031.

Recently, there have been protests in the country against the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers, as well as calls for additional measures to combat illegal immigration, including allocating £100 million for this purpose.

Tags: Europe/Politics