Britain refuses full settlement rights to all ex-Gurkhas

The British government has refused to offer full settlement rights to all
former Gurkhas who retired before July 1, 1997, despite a High Court
ruling last year.

Britain will not grant settlement rights to more than 4,300 ex-Gurkhas,
the British Home Office said on Friday, AFP reported ."Over 4,000 ex
Gurkhas and around 6,000 spouses and children will qualify for
settlement rights in the UK," the Home Office said in a statement
issued Friday.

Former Gurkhas have condemned the decision and announced a legal battle
against the same.

There are 36,000 Nepalis who retired from the British Army before July 1,
1997 when the base of Gurkha regiments moved from Hong Kong to Britain.
Ironically, fewer than 100 Gurkhas will actually meet the criteria set by
the government, campaigners said, despite the government's estimate of
4,300.

The former Gurkhas must have served for 20 years or more or been given a
bravery award to apply for permanent settlement in Britain. In addition to
this, they should meet one of the five conditions set by the British
government to be able to apply, AFP reported.
Other foreign soldiers in the British army can settle in Britain after
four years' service.

Those who retired after that have an automatic right to stay permanently
in Britain. nepalnews.com Apr 25 09