Speedy Deportation Policy to be Stopped by British High Court

It now seems that the Home Office policy that allowed for a very swift deportation of foreign nationals that have been refused permission to stay in the UK has been stopped. According to the British High Court, this policy was unlawful.

The British High Court went on to rule that the policy, which was introduced back in 2007 meant that the people affected had little or no notice of removal. They are deprived of access to any justice. Although this policy first came out in 2007 it was just recently expended this year.

Apparently, the Border Agency's policy allows only 72 hours notice of removal. However, this can be reduce to little or none for people in certain categories. For example, time can be reduced for people that are believed to be at risk of self-harm or unaccompanied children.

This case was brought before the court by Medical Justice. This is a body that provides independent medical and legal advice to detainees in emigration removal centers. The group said that the policy was being used to swoop late at night and escort people to flights, leaving only a few hours later. This was, of course, depriving people of the ability to contact lawyers and launch a last attempt to stay in the country.

The Home Office went on to argued that its policy was sufficiently flexible to ensure that there were no human rights breaches. All detainees are given as much notice as possible. However, Judge Justice Sillber rejected that argument. He said that the policy is unlawful and must be quashed.

A spokesman for the Home Office did go on to say that they were very disappointed with the verdict. Of course, the Home Office is going to appeal against it.