The 27-year-old was imprisoned a year ago for carrying pro-democracy leaflets and has been in solitary confinement at the notorious Keng Tung prison ever since.
Mr Battle said Burmese ambassador Dr Kyaw Win had informed him today that James would be deported.
"I am relieved that the Burmese regime has recognised that there is no justification in keeping James in prison and has decided to deport him as soon as possible," said the minister.