A British (Nepoli) Gurkha stands guard at the site of an apparent suicide attack in Kabul
LONDON : Britain has extended full citizenship rights to Gurkha soldiers from Nepal who serve in the British armed forces, Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Thursday.
"The Gurkhas have served this country with great skill, courage and dignity during some of the most testing times in our history," Blair said.
"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," he said. Gurkhas and their supporters have been trying for three years to publicly shame the British government with the charge it treats these soldiers as good enough to die for Britain, but not good enough to become citizens.
The announcement that most Gurkha soldiers have won the right to become British citizens follows an 18-month review by Britain's Home Office and the Foreign Office.
Gurkhas said they could not wholeheartedly welcome the move because the new provision will apply only to those who were discharged from the forces after July 1, 1997, meaning that around 100 of the estimated 400 Gurkhas currently resident in Britain will not be eligible.
Gurkhas have served in the British army since 1815, with 3,600 now serving in Britain and overseas, but very few had been granted the right to British citizenship.
Most Gurkhas return to Nepal - which is currently in the midst of a Maoist insurgency - at the end of their service.
Major Tikendradal Dewan, chairman of the Brigade of Gurkhas Welfare Society, said: "This is extremely good news in a way but it is not a 100 percent celebration because of the cut-off date."
"It's difficult to rejoice at the news when we know that something like a quarter of the guys will not benefit from it. What will happen to them? Will they be deported?" he asked.
The Home Office said changes would be introduced to the immigration rules within the next few weeks, introducing a new procedure for former Gurkhas to smooth their way into British society.
Gurkhas who have served more than four years will be able to apply for entry clearance from Nepal or Britain after discharge.
Although approval will not be automatic, most are expected to be granted indefinite leave to remain in Britain and then to apply for citizenship after 12 months.
Many ex-Gurkhas who have already applied for citizenship have seen their cases left in limbo over the past two years while they waited for the review to be completed.
Major Dewan said their uncertain immigration status meant that they were often unable to find suitable jobs or return to Nepal to visit relatives.
Most Gurkhas retire after 15 years service in their mid-30s, he said.
Because of the shortage of work in their impoverished homeland and their inability to settle in Britain, many seek a second career overseas, often finding security work in troublespots like Iraq.
Home Secretary David Blunkett paid tribute to the Gurkhas' "unquestioning loyalty".
"In battle, they have distinguished themselves as brave and skilful soldiers in all conditions and all terrains," he said.
"Their 13 Victoria Crosses (Britain's highest military honour) and numerous other bravery awards speak for themselves."
"I am very keen to ensure that we recognise their role in the history of our country and the part they have played in protecting us," Blunkett said.
"This is why we have put together the best possible package to enable discharged Gurkhas to apply for settlement and citizenship," he said. "I hope that the decision I have made today will make our gratitude clear."
Thousands of Gurkhas are serving or have served recently with British forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. Still more have served in past wars, including World War I and World War II.
An estimated 43,000 Gurkhas were killed or wounded in action in the two world wars.
- AFP
Sphere: Related Content
No comments:
Post a Comment