GLOBE & NATION

Sharp Rise in UK Sexual Offence Convictions Among Indian Nationals, Reports Show

Herald Team

New government data reveals that Indian nationals have recorded the steepest increase in convictions for sexual offences among foreign nationals in the United Kingdom over the past four years. Analysis by the anti-immigration think tank, Centre for Migration Control (CMC), shows convictions rose from 28 cases in 2021 to 100 in 2024—a staggering 257% increase.

Overall, convictions of foreign nationals for sexual offences rose by 62% during the same period, climbing from 687 to 1,114 cases. "The British convictions rate for these crimes increased by 39.31% between 2021 and 2024," the CMC noted.

Other nationalities also saw sharp rises: Nigerians (166%), Iraqis (160%), Sudanese (117%), and Afghans (115%). Among South Asians, Bangladeshis recorded a 100% rise, while Pakistanis saw a 47% increase.

The report further highlighted that Indian nationals ranked third for serious non-summary crime convictions, more than doubling from 273 cases in 2021 to 588 in 2024, marking a 115% jump. While overall foreign national convictions for serious crimes approached 75,000 in this period, violent and fraud-related offences reportedly declined.

The findings come as UK Home Office data shows Indian nationals in detention have nearly doubled over the past year. Indians also remain a significant visa-holding group, ranking second in study visas (98,014) and first in work and tourist visas.

Earlier this month, India was added to a UK government list of countries where foreign nationals convicted of crimes will be deported before their appeals are heard. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, "We are leading diplomatic efforts to increase the number of countries where foreign criminals can be swiftly returned, and if they want to appeal, they can do so safely from their home country."

(This story is published from a syndicated feed)

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