The UK government has put forward plans to include India in an expanded list of "safe states", which would facilitate the process of repatriating Indians who have entered the UK illegally and prohibit them from seeking asylum. The proposed legislation, which also includes Georgia, aims to strengthen the country's immigration system and prevent abuse by individuals making unfounded protection claims. The move aligns with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's commitment to halt the arrival of migrants on the country's shores after undertaking perilous journeys across the English Channel.

Despite the fact that individuals from India and Georgia are not at obvious risk of persecution, there has been an increase in small boat arrivals from these countries over the past year. Designating these countries as safe would mean that individuals arriving illegally from either country will not be granted admission to the UK asylum system. The proposal will undergo parliamentary scrutiny before its implementation. This measure is part of the broader Illegal Migration Act 2023, which seeks to detain and swiftly return individuals who enter the UK illegally to a safe third country or their home country.

The UK government is committed to curbing illegal migration, combatting criminal gangs, and preventing further loss of life associated with dangerous journeys to the UK. The draft legislation to include India and Georgia in the Section 80AA list is based on the UK's Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, following the provisions laid out in the Illegal Migration Act 2023.