The new policy would allows only a small number of Gurkhas to settle in the United Kingdom and almost all of these would be ex-officers.
“We want the April 24 decision to be nullified," Krishna Kumar Rai, the acting-president of GAESO (Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen’s Organization) told Republica. "The new policy must be in line with the September 30, 2008 decision of the British High Court.”
GAESO has condemned the British government’s new policy labeling it "a false policy" that will only allow settlement for a few ex-officers. For instance, one of the British government’s new criteria for settlement is that a Gurkha must show that he has served for over 20 years in the British Army. But almost all Gurkha soldiers were permitted only 15 years service in the British Army.
Following a historic judgment on September 30 last year, the High Court in London struck down the British government’s policy on Gurkha veterans terming it illegal. The government was ordered by the court to bring in force a new policy concerning settlement rights of the Gurkhas and their families. But the new policy announced on April 24 set categories for settlement permit.
The British Immigration Ministry said, “Another 10,000 Gurkhas and family members will be able to benefit from our revised guidance.” But GAESO claim that this is just an eye-wash.
Related story
Canadian federal govt settles lawsuit over deadly suicide attac...
-1200x560-1774606010.webp)
