UK Accelerates Deportation Procedures for Illegal Residents

The United Kingdom has announced plans to accelerate the deportation of illegal residents who are not entitled to remain in the country by reducing the processing time for their cases from 67 weeks to 24 weeks. The UK Home Office stated in a statement that the decision, which is expected to save approximately £6.9 billion in taxpayer funds, aims to cut waiting times for appeals related to asylum and immigration by more than a third. It added that non-custodial foreign offenders and individuals receiving support in the areas of asylum and residence would be expected to appear before the First-tier Tribunal within 24 weeks, emphasizing that expediting procedures would hasten the deportation of those whose appeals have been rejected and who are not entitled to stay in the UK, thereby freeing up space in accommodation facilities and reducing costs. The Home Office noted that around 150,000 appeals are still awaiting consideration, pointing out that the total cost of asylum has decreased by £1 billion since the general election in 2024.