Gurkhas granted right to settle in the UK

Finally.

All former Gurkhas who have served for four years with the British army and wish to live in the United Kingdom will be allowed to do so, the home secretary, Jacqui Smith, announced today.

In a reversal of previous guidelines that prevented all but a small number of Gurkhas being granted the right to settlement in the UK, Smith said: "Generations of Gurkhas have served the United Kingdom with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world.

"We respect the will of the House of Commons on this issue and that is why I have now announced a new policy, the basis of which we have worked on with the home affairs select committee and Gurkha representatives. This means we can now welcome any Gurkha who has served for four years or more to settle in the UK."