Member of Parliament for South Shields
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South Shields MP Welcomes New Settlement Rights
South Shields MP, David Miliband today welcomed the announcement by Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith MP, regarding the new settlement rights for former Gurkhas and their families.
Following discussions across government, with the Home Affairs select committee and Gurkha representatives, new guidance will be issued to allow all Gurkhas who served prior to 1st July 1997 and completed four years service to apply to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children.
David Miliband said "Generations of Gurkhas have served our country and they continue to support our operations around the world. MP's from all sides of the House made their feelings clear, and I am delighted that we are able to welcome all Gurkhas who have served for four years or more".
Mr Miliband added "Many constituents in South Shields contacted me regarding this matter, and I made their feelings known to the Home Secretary, so I know my constituents will be delighted with the Home Secretary's decision"
Gurkhas who retired after 1 July 1997 are already eligible to apply for settlement under the current immigration rules.
This Government is the first and only government since the Second World War to provide UK settlement rights for Gurkhas. In 2004, Labour brought in rules which for the first time allowed Gurkhas to apply to stay permanently in the UK. Since then, 6,000 Gurkhas and their families have settled in the UK.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith added: "Following the clear view expressed by the House of Commons, we have now amended our guidance to ensure that all Gurkhas who served for four years or more can apply to settle in the UK. We will now welcome all those former Gurkhas who wish to live in the UK and we will begin to work through the outstanding cases that have not yet been granted settlement."