The British government has said it will allow 4,300 more Gurkha veterans to settle in the country, changing immigration restrictions on the Nepalese soldiers.But advocates for the soldiers say the criteria for eligibility introduced by the government means only 100 Gurkhas would actually qualify.
To be allowed to stay, the veterans must meet one of five conditions, including having served for at least 20 years in the brigade, suffered one injury or more, or received awards for bravery.
The announcement has sparked outrage from campaigners, who have demanded all 36,000 Gurkhas who served with the British army before 1997 be allowed to live permanently in the UK.
Gurkhas have fought for Britain for the last 200 years, with 200,000 fighting in the two world wars.About 3,500 Gurkhas currently serve in the British Army, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.Speaking on Friday, Jacqui Smith, Britain's interior minister, said: "Over 4,000 ex-Gurkhas and around 6,000 spouses and children will qualify for settlement rights in the UK."
Jagat Bahadur Limbu, 51, who served in the brigade between 1976 and 1992 said the decision was "shocking"."I have been waiting three years to be allowed to stay in Britain," he said.
The government issued the revised immigration guidelines after a high court judge ruled last October that the existing policy, which states only Gurkhas who retired after 1997 can settle in the UK, was unlawful.
Ministers say that without the restrictions, up to 100,000 former Gurkhas and their families could seek to come to Britain.
Courtesy: Al Jazeera
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