Labour Paid Foreign Criminals £6.5 Million to Leave UK

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, August 1, 2026

Since the Labour government took office, about £6.5 million has been paid to roughly 4,625 convicted foreign nationals through the Facilitated Return Scheme to support their voluntary departure from the UK. The scheme aims to reduce costs and increase efficiency in removing offenders, but it remains controversial due to ethical concerns over using taxpayer money to incentivize criminals to leave.

Since the Labour government took office, around £6.5 million in taxpayer funds has been allocated to convicted foreign nationals to facilitate their departure from the United Kingdom under the Facilitated Return Scheme (FRS). Established in 2006, the program is designed to encourage foreign offenders to leave the country voluntarily and promptly.

Data obtained following a legal challenge revealed that payments have been made to approximately 4,625 individuals, averaging about £1,405 per person. The financial assistance aims to support reintegration into their home countries and is available to those who apply for the scheme. Convicted offenders currently serving custodial sentences may receive up to £1,500, while those applying after release or without a prison sentence are eligible for up to £750. Additionally, children returning with their parents can receive £1,500 each, and vulnerable migrants may be granted an extra discretionary payment of £500.

The scheme drew public attention last year after Hadush Kebatu, a sex offender who arrived in the UK seeking asylum, was provided £500 to return to Ethiopia. Kebatu was convicted of targeting a 14-year-old girl while residing in an asylum center. Following his release from prison, which was later found to be a mistake linked to his planned deportation, Kebatu’s case sparked nationwide unrest and a manhunt.

Home Office officials characterize the payments as necessary support to encourage cooperation from foreign offenders in their removal process. They argue that the scheme is financially prudent, estimating savings of up to £215,000 per individual compared to the costs of imprisonment or protracted legal proceedings. Since the last general election, the removal of foreign national offenders has reportedly increased by 36 percent, with nearly 10,000 individuals returned to their home countries.

Despite these figures being released after a Freedom of Information request, the Home Office maintains that the payments are not ideal and has no intention to make such data routinely public. Critics argue that providing financial incentives to convicted criminals is controversial and raises questions about the appropriate use of public funds. Supporters counter that the scheme improves efficiency in the removal process and reduces the financial burden on the prison and legal system.

The FRS continues to operate amid ongoing debate over its effectiveness and ethical implications, balancing cost considerations with concerns about justice and public safety.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.