Gurkhas now eligible for UK citizenship

Gurkhas who have served the Army for at least four years and were discharged after July 1, 1997, will be eligible.

Thousands of Gurkhas who served with the British Army and wish to settle in Britain with their families are to be allowed to apply for citizenship. This is a great victory for the Gurkhas. They had been campaigning for this for a long time without much success. But after a Whitehall review, Tony Blair announced on Wednesday night that immigration rules would be changed to let them stay.

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All Gurkhas who have served at least four years and were discharged after July 1, 1997, will be eligible for "fast-track" citizenship. The Home Office expects the number of those eligible under the new rules to be over 6000.

Ann Widdecombe, the Tory MP, who has led the campaign for them said: "I am pleased and grateful that so much progress has been made but I am very disappointed by the cut-off date which I think will be challenged." She added that she did not see any logic of denying the right to those who having served for say 15 years but retired before 1997.

Describing the Blair announcement as very good news, Major Tikendradal Dewan, chairman of the Gurkhas Welfare Society, said: "But it is not a 100 per cent celebration because of the cut-off date."

The Gurkhas have won 13 Victoria Crosses and have fought for he British in nearly every conflict since the Second World War. David Blunkett, Home Secretary said: "I hope that the decision will make our gratitude clear."