Gurkhas given right to settle in the UK: Lumley delighted over the deal
(22 May 2009)

All former Gurkhas who have served in the British Army for at least four years will now be eligible for settlement in the UK, the Home Secretary announced in Parliament today. The Government U-turn is hailed as a victory for actress and Gurkha-rights campaigner Joanna Lumley. Outside the Commons, Ms Lumley paid tribute to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and said that he was a "brave man who has made today a brave decision on behalf of the bravest of the brave".

Under the new policy, those Gurkhas who retired prior to 1 July 1997 and completed four years service can apply to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children. The policy introduced today refers specifically to those Gurkhas who retired before 1 July 1997 and who will now be granted settlement rights under the new scheme. Those who retired after 1 July 1997 are already eligible to apply for settlement under the current immigration rules.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith said: "Generations of Gurkhas have served the United Kingdom with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world.

"We respect the will of the House of Commons on this issue and that is why I have now announced a new policy, the basis of which we have worked on with the Home Affairs Select Committee and Gurkha representatives. This means we can now welcome any Gurkha who has served for four years or more to settle in the UK."

In 2004 the Government granted the first Gurkhas the right of settlement in Britain if they served on or after 1 July 1997 - the point at which the Brigade's base moved to the UK. Since then, over 6,000 Gurkhas and their families have been given the right to live in the UK.

The new policy announced will allow settlement rights to be granted to all those who retired from the Brigade of Gurkhas prior to 1 July 1997 with four or more years' service. The new policy reflects the fresh advice of the Home Affairs Select Committee around the numbers of Gurkhas and their families likely to apply under the new rules.

Kevan Jones, Minister for Veterans said: "The British Army and the Ministry of Defence are determined to do all that we can to uphold our ongoing commitment to the welfare of former Gurkhas, whether in Nepal or the UK. We value greatly the bravery, commitment and dedication which they have shown over many years and continue to demonstrate on operations today."

Who are the Gurkhas?

Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years. The soldiers are hand-picked from a recruitment contest in Nepal to win the right to join. They have fought for the British all over the world, including both of the world wars. They serve in a variety of roles, mainly in the infantry but also as engineers, logisticians and signals specialists. The name 'Gurkha' comes from the hill town of Gorkha, from which the Nepalese kingdom had expanded.

The British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas (BG) is currently around 3,800 strong and provides around three per cent of the Army's strength and eight per cent of the Infantry. The modern day Brigade of Gurkhas was formed in 1948 when four Regiments transferred from the old Indian Army to the British Army. There are seven Regiments in the Indian Army. Gurkhas are recruited in Nepal and remain Nepalese citizens throughout their service with the Brigade of Gurkhas, which is in line with the wishes of the Government of Nepal.