MP WELCOMES REVISED GUIDANCE ON GURKHAS

23 May 2009

Stafford’s MP David Kidney welcomes the new guidance to allow all Gurkhas who served prior to 1 July 1997 and completed four years service to apply to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children. The Government’s decision responds to widespread anger about earlier guidance which was too restrictive and follows discussions across Government, with the Home Affairs Select Committee and with Gurkha representatives.

Gurkhas who retired after 1 July 1997 are already eligible to settle in the UK with their families after four years’ service under the current immigration rules.

David Kidney says:
“This Government is the first and only government since the Second World War to provide UK settlement rights for Gurkhas. In 2004, Labour brought in rules which for the first time allowed Gurkhas to apply to stay permanently in the UK. Since then, 6,000 Gurkhas and their families have settled in the UK.

“This is also the Government that brought about equal pay and equal pension rights for Gurkhas.

"All these changes have been earned by the great courage, sacrifice and loyalty to our country by generations of Gurkhas. As we see in Stafford, they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations in the UK and around the world.

”An unseemly row would have been avoided if this had been the original decision by Government. This now is the right solution as it is fair and reasonable and will, I am sure, have widespread public support.”

For further information CONTACT David’s offices on 020 7219 6472 and 01785 224444 or his mobile number 07966 378844