Gurkha children over 18 not allowed to settle in the UK

In May, when Jacqui Smith, ex-Home Secretary, announced that all Gurkhas have been granted the right to settle in the UK, there was great celebration all round.

Joanna Lumley had influenced this decision hugely, having campaigned tirelessly to reach this settlement decision.

However, two controversial elements of the ruling rather got brushed under the carpet, while the celebrations got underway.

These are how only children of Gurkhas under the age of 18 will be eligible to settle in Britain with their parents, and Gurkhas must have served at least four years in the British Army.

Now, if you think about this more carefully, a large majority of the children of retired Gurkhas will be over the age of 18. As many of the Gurkhas I have spoken to have said, what is the use of being allowed to move to UK when your family is not allowed to join you?

Furthermore, what about all those Gurkhas who didn’t serve the required four years? Is it fare that they aren’t allowed to settle in Britain after fighting alongside British soldiers for our country?

Your comments on this are most welcome.

The Gurkha Pension

Gyan Raj Rai, ex-Gurkha soldier and now campaigner, has revealed that the Gurkha pension is a sixth of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme.

He and his fellow retired soldiers, who fought fearlessly alongside British soldiers in battle around the world, are given just £150 a month for their pension. The Armed Forces Scheme pays out £900 a month.

£150 a month is a reasonable amount to live on in Nepal, but now that ex-Gurkhas are living in Britain, it leaves them struggling to afford living costs, let alone any other bills they may have to pay.

These brave men have served for our country for almost 200 years, and you would think the British Government would be keen to grant equal pensions for British ex-soldiers and retired Gurkhas.

Leave your thoughts and comments on this topic for debate.