Foreign criminals excluded from UK under strict new Home Office rules

This news from central Government builds on existing powers which allow the UK to deport anyone sentenced to 12 months or more in prison.

Last May, the Home Office announced it would lower the threshold for foreign offenders to be considered for deportation. Any migrant who wants to settle in the UK must meet certain character requirements, including the possession of a clean criminal record and compliance with immigration requirements.

The move comes as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduces new legislation designed to restore order and control to the nation’s borders.

In line with reforms

Mahmood stated: “Coming to the UK from overseas is a privilege, not a right. Any foreign national with a history of crime and violence is not welcome. If you pose a risk to our country, you will be refused entry or removed.”

The changes, which come into force from 26 March, will bring immigration rules into line with reforms outlined in the Sentencing Act 2026.

Last November, as part of the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration since World War II, the Home Secretary announced a shake-up of Human Rights laws to make it easier to deport foreign criminals.

Reform of Article 8

The government will legislate to reform Article 8 (the right to family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights so that the safety of the British public is prioritised above the rights of foreign offenders.  

In April last year, the Home Office announced that foreign nationals who commit specific offences will be excluded from asylum protections in the UK as part of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act.

The changes emerge as removals of illegal migrants and foreign criminals under this Government have scaled up to nearly 60,000 (the highest rate in a decade).