Foreign criminals in the UK
19,390 foreign national offenders are living in the UK despite deportation orders.
This is up nearly 25% compared to two years ago.
Around 12,000 deportations took place in the same periodNations least likely to face deportation
Iran: 1,245 convictions (2022–24), but only 16 deportations → ratio 77.8 convictions per deportation.
Iraq: 1,136 convictions, 61 deportations → ratio 18.6.
Pakistan: 1,189 convictions, 104 deportations → ratio 11.4.
India: Also among those disproportionately less likely to be deported.Comparison with other countries
Romania: 8,939 convictions, 2,494 deportations → ratio 3.6.
Albania: 6,097 convictions, 3,975 deportations → ratio 1.5 (most likely to be deported, aided by a 2022 fast-track removal deal).
45 countries had zero deportations despite recorded offences — examples include Yemen (79 convictions), Zambia (60), UAE (25), East Timor (19)Government response
The Home Secretary is considering visa suspensions for countries refusing to accept deported criminals.
Power to restrict visas exists under the Nationality and Borders Act, but has never been used.Crackdown on employers
1,948 licences for hiring foreign workers were revoked in the year to June 2025.
This is more than double the 937 revoked in the previous 12 months.
Employers were found exploiting visa rules, underpaying staff, and making them dependent on jobs for residency.
Minister Mike Tapp warned: “These shameful practices will not be tolerated.”
Written by: LIIE IMMIGEATION
