heaven above
September 29th, 2004, 08:58 PM
I have nothing but the utmost respect for the Gurkha regiment. I met quite a few in Aldershot.
But this is a 'cheap' way of not allowing them the wage differentials they are entitled too.
Instead of giving them the same pay as British 'squaddies', the British public have now to compete with them for jobs and housing.
Gurkhas are fine warriors, but they should stay in Nepal.
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 29 September, 2004, 23:26 GMT 00:26 UK
BBC NEWS
Gurkhas win UK citizenship rights
Many Gurkhas think UK citizenship is the least they deserve
Gurkhas who have served in the British Army are to be allowed to apply to settle in the UK and gain British citizenship.
The announcement made by Tony Blair follows a government review and a campaign by the Nepalese soldiers.
The Prime Minister said the Gurkhas had made an "enormous contribution" and it was important that their commitment and sacrifice were recognised.
Gurkhas have fought as part of the British Army for almost 200 years.
Cut-off point
From now on, Gurkhas who leave after more than four years' service will be able to apply to stay in the UK.
It is expected that most will be granted indefinite leave and citizenship after a further 12 months.
It's difficult to rejoice at the news when we know that something like a quarter of the guys will not benefit from it.
Maj Tikendradal Dewan
But the rules do not apply to those who joined the armed forces before July 1997.
According to the Brigade of Gurkhas Welfare Society, that means 100 Gurkhas in the UK - a quarter of the total number who live here - will not be entitled to stay.
"This is extremely good news in a way but it is not a 100% celebration because of the cut-off date," said Maj Tikendradal Dewan, chairman of the Brigade of Gurkhas Welfare Society.
"It's difficult to rejoice at the news when we know that something like a quarter of the guys will not benefit from it."
For many years, members of the regiment have been pushing for rights to British citizenship after their retirement and better conditions during their army service.
In 2003, seven former members of the regiment lost a court case for the same pay and pensions as other UK soldiers.
Mr Blair said: "The Gurkhas have served this country with great skill, courage and dignity during some of the most testing times in our history.
"They have made an enormous contribution not just to our armed forces but to the life of this country, and it is important their commitment and sacrifice is recognised."
Home Office officials said the new immigration regulations would be phased in very soon.
The Gurkha regiment now has around 3,500 men.
In recent years, the Gurkhas have served in UK interventions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone.
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But this is a 'cheap' way of not allowing them the wage differentials they are entitled too.
Instead of giving them the same pay as British 'squaddies', the British public have now to compete with them for jobs and housing.
Gurkhas are fine warriors, but they should stay in Nepal.
============================================
Last Updated: Wednesday, 29 September, 2004, 23:26 GMT 00:26 UK
BBC NEWS
Gurkhas win UK citizenship rights
Many Gurkhas think UK citizenship is the least they deserve
Gurkhas who have served in the British Army are to be allowed to apply to settle in the UK and gain British citizenship.
The announcement made by Tony Blair follows a government review and a campaign by the Nepalese soldiers.
The Prime Minister said the Gurkhas had made an "enormous contribution" and it was important that their commitment and sacrifice were recognised.
Gurkhas have fought as part of the British Army for almost 200 years.
Cut-off point
From now on, Gurkhas who leave after more than four years' service will be able to apply to stay in the UK.
It is expected that most will be granted indefinite leave and citizenship after a further 12 months.
It's difficult to rejoice at the news when we know that something like a quarter of the guys will not benefit from it.
Maj Tikendradal Dewan
But the rules do not apply to those who joined the armed forces before July 1997.
According to the Brigade of Gurkhas Welfare Society, that means 100 Gurkhas in the UK - a quarter of the total number who live here - will not be entitled to stay.
"This is extremely good news in a way but it is not a 100% celebration because of the cut-off date," said Maj Tikendradal Dewan, chairman of the Brigade of Gurkhas Welfare Society.
"It's difficult to rejoice at the news when we know that something like a quarter of the guys will not benefit from it."
For many years, members of the regiment have been pushing for rights to British citizenship after their retirement and better conditions during their army service.
In 2003, seven former members of the regiment lost a court case for the same pay and pensions as other UK soldiers.
Mr Blair said: "The Gurkhas have served this country with great skill, courage and dignity during some of the most testing times in our history.
"They have made an enormous contribution not just to our armed forces but to the life of this country, and it is important their commitment and sacrifice is recognised."
Home Office officials said the new immigration regulations would be phased in very soon.
The Gurkha regiment now has around 3,500 men.
In recent years, the Gurkhas have served in UK interventions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone.
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
LINKS TO MORE UK STORIES