Illegal entry will lead to detention, return: UK PM Keir Starmer’s big warning

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday issued a firm warning to illegal immigrants and said that those who enter the country unlawfully will face immediate detention and removal. The development comes after the United Kingdom has expanded its “deport now, appeal later” scheme to 23 countries, including India, which would help it in “securing borders” through systematic immigration reform.

“If you come to this country illegally, you will face detention and return. If you come to this country and commit a crime, we will deport you as soon as possible,” Keir Starmer said in a post on X. The statement signals a continued tough stance on border security and immigration enforcement under the Labour government.

This post was preceded by another warning post which read: “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 ends now. If foreign nationals break the law, they will be deported at the earliest opportunity,” the Prime Minister added.

Meanwhile, in a statement released on Sunday, the UK Home Office announced a major expansion of its “Deport Now, Appeal Later” scheme, nearly tripling the number of countries involved from 8 to 23.

Under the updated policy, foreign nationals from the listed countries will be deported before being allowed to appeal their removal, with appeals to be conducted remotely via video link.

The UK government stated that the move is intended to accelerate the removal of foreign criminals, reduce pressure on detention facilities and prisons, and save taxpayer money.

Originally reinstated in 2023 by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, the scheme previously included countries such as Albania, Nigeria, Estonia, and Kosovo.

Now, India joins the expanded list along with nations including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Kenya, and Uganda. Authorities confirmed that discussions are ongoing with additional countries about joining the initiative.

Not just the UK, but several nations across the globe are stepping up efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and accelerate the deportation of foreign nationals. In the past few months, since Donald Trump took oath as President, the US has ramped up border enforcement and deportations, particularly targeting undocumented migrants with criminal records or repeat border crossings. Australia, too, has toughened its stance, reinforcing border security and increasing the removal of non-citizens who breach visa conditions or commit crimes.

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