Nancy Powell appointed director general of US foreign service

Kathmandu, 22 May: US Ambassador Nancy Powell has been nominated director general of the foreign service, Department of State.
The While House made the announcement Thursday.
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GURKHAS GIVEN RIGHT TO SETTLE IN THE UK

Kathmandu, 22 May: All former Gurkhas who have served in the British Army for at least four years will now be eligible for settlement in the UK, British Home Secretary announced in parliament THurdday, according to the British embassy.

Under the new guidance, Gurkhas who served prior to 1 July 1997 and completed four years service can apply to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent minor children.

The policy introduced today refers specifically to those Gurkhas who retired before 1 July 1997 and who will now be granted settlement rights under the new discretionary arrangements. Those who retired after 1 July 1997 are already eligible to apply for settlement under the current immigration rules.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith said;

“Generations of Gurkhas have served the United Kingdom with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world.

“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 have settlement rights.

“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.”

In 2004 the Government granted the first Gurkhas the right of settlement in Britain if they served on or after 1 July 1997 - the point at which the Brigade’s base moved to the UK. Since then, over 6,000 Gurkhas and their families have been given the right to live in the UK.

In April, the Home Office announced new guidance to allow over 4,000 of those Gurkhas who served before 1 July 1997 to settle in the UK. Following a vote in the House of Commons the Government committed to review this guidance before the Summer Recess, and to have considered outstanding applications by the end of May.

The revised guidance, announced today, which reflects the concerns of the Home Affairs Select Committee and the Gurkha lobby, meets this commitment and goes even further to grant settlement rights to those who retired from the Brigade of Gurkhas prior to 1 July 1997 with four or more years’ service.

Kevan Jones, Minister for Veterans said:

“The British Army and the Ministry of Defence are determined to do all that we can to uphold our ongoing commitment to the welfare of former Gurkhas, whether in Nepal or the UK. We value greatly the bravery, commitment and dedication which they have shown over many years and continue to demonstrate on operations today.”

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