Between 2021 and 2024, Indian nationals in the UK recorded the largest increase in sexual offence convictions among foreign residents. The number of cases involving Indians jumped from 28 to 100, a rise of 257 per cent.

In total, convictions for sexual offences among all foreign nationals rose from 687 to 1,114 during the same period, marking a 62 per cent increase. According to the Centre for Migration Control (CMC):
“The number of foreign nationals convicted of sexual offences increased by 62 per cent between 2021 and 2024 – jumping from 687 to 1,114. The British convictions rate for these crimes increased by 39.31 per cent over the same time period.”

India leads the chart

India accounted for nearly one-fourth of the total increase, making it the top contributor. Other nationalities with notable rises included Nigeria (25 cases), Afghanistan (23), Sudan (20), Poland (19), and Pakistan (18). Yearly figures for Indians rose steadily: 28 in 2021, 53 in 2022, 67 in 2023, and 100 in 2024.

Looking at serious, non-summary offences, Indian nationals ranked third, recording 588 cases in 2024, up from 273 in 2021, a 115 per cent increase. The CMC said:
“There were almost 75,000 non-summary convictions of foreign nationals between 2021 and 2024... showing a general pattern of increase.”
At the same time, convictions for violent crimes and fraud among foreign nationals declined.

UK accelerates deportation 

UK Home Office data shows that Indian nationals in detention have nearly doubled in a year. Indians are also the second-largest group receiving study visas and the largest for work and tourist visas. Recently, India was added to a list of countries where foreign criminals can be deported immediately after sentencing.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “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.”

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