The number of Arab and Egyptian nationals in British prisons reached nearly 1,000 last year, the British justice ministry has announced.

The ministry added that the number of foreign nationals in prisons in England and Wales has doubled in the last 10 years, reaching 10,503 and now representing over 14 percent of the total prison population.

Among of these foreign prisoners, there are 943 Arabs, including 24 Egyptians.

Meanwhile, the ministry confirmed foreign prisoners, including Arabs, have the option to be transferred to their countries of origin. 

"The UK has prison transfer agreements with over 100 different countries, including Egypt,” the justice ministry spokesperson told Ahram Online.

“Under this agreement Egyptian prisoners are required to apply for a transfer before any request can be considered," he added.

Somali prisoners reached 408, representing 43 percent of Arab prisoners, followed by Iraqis, 172, Algerians, 143, Moroccans, 58, Sudanese, 43, Libyans, 35, and Syrians, 29.   

The ministry did not give details about the most common crimes Arab and Egyptian nationals have been convicted of committing. 

However, the most common crimes committed by foreigners are violence against individuals, sexual offences, robbery, drugs offences and burglary.

The British Prison Service says it has been working hard to build closer relationships with embassies, diplomatic missions and high commissions on foreign imprisoned citizens.