The Gurkha Justice Campaign is demanding a law that ensures all Gurkhas have the right to stay in the UK.

The Gurkha Justice Campaign is waiting for a response from the UK Government regarding the House of Commons’ vote to revise the settlement condition for Gurkha veterans and pass a motion that ensures equal rights of residence to all.

Originally, Gurkhas who retired before 1997 – when the regiment moved from Hong Kong to the UK – had to apply for British residence because the government believed they were unlikely to have strong ties with the UK. In September 2008, the government stated that this ruling denying automatic settlement to Gurkhas who retired before 1997 was unlawful and recently, campaigners have been urging MPs to make a decision on what should happen.

On 25 April, the government decided that Gurkhas would have to fulfil at least one out of five new criteria before they would be accepted as a UK citizen. They would have to: had three years of continuous residence in the UK; a bravery award; 20 or more years of service in the Gurkha brigade; a serious medical condition caused by time in service; or relations already living as UK residents.

The government believes that this would enable almost 4,300 Gurkhas to settle, however the Gurkha Justice Campaign states that the number would only be around 100.

The father of Joanna Lumley, a UK actress and supporter of the Campaign, served for 30 years with the 6th Gurkha Rifles. She has passionately campaigned for Gurkha justice, stating that the new regulations are unattainable for most Gurkhas – for example, a rifleman is only allowed to serve 15 years, so wouldn’t therefore be eligible for residency.

She, along with the campaign’s many supporters, is now waiting for a response from the government that will ensure fairness for all.

Gurkhas have served in the British Army for around 200 years – more than 45,000 died in the two World Wars – and some are still serving today. For more information about the Gurkha Justice Campaign, visit: http://www.gurkhajustice.org.uk/