Gurkhas await High Court ruling on right to stay in Britain

23 minutes ago



LONDON (AFP) - Former Nepalese Gurkha soldiers were on Tuesday awaiting a High Court ruling on their demand for the right to settle in Britain, which could effect the future of 2,000 such veterans.

A lawyer for the old soldiers voiced hope that the verdict -- the climax of a two-year legal battle for Gurkhas who retired before 1997 and thus do not automatically have the right to live here -- would go their way.

"The decision... will be historic, the culmination of a hard-fought two-year legal battle seeking justice for some 2,000 Gurkhas whose only fault was to retire prior to July 1, 1997," said solicitor Martin Howe.

"I sincerely hope that the court's judgement will strike down the government's policy barring from Britain a class of loyal Gurkhas who stood by this country and risked their lives and limbs for the freedoms and values that we all enjoy," he added.

Gurkhas who retired after 1997, when their base was moved from Hong Kong to England, can stay in Britain.

But those who retired earlier and whose individual cases were decided by visa officials in Kathmandu and Hong Kong must apply for permission to stay and may be refused and deported.

All other foreign soldiers in the army have a right to settle in Britain after four years of service anywhere in the world.

Around 200,000 Gurkhas fought for Britain in World Wars I and II, and about 3,500 currently serve in the army, including in Afghanistan and Iraq.

More than 45,000 have died serving Britain.

The Gurkhas, who are renowned for their bravery and ferocious fighting skills, have also struggled for many years for equal pension rights as their British army counterparts.

Tuesday's ruling was expected around 2:00 pm.