Victory : Gurkhas win right to settle in UK

All Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years' service will be allowed to settle in the UK, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has said.
Ms Smith told MPs she was "proud to offer this country's welcome to all who have served in the brigade of Gurkhas".It comes after a high-profile campaign by Joanna Lumley and other supporters of Gurkha rights - and an embarrassing Commons defeat for the Government. Some 36,000 Gurkhas who left before 1997 had been denied UK residency. Gurkhas, who are recruited from Nepal, have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years.

Sacrifice and Distinction:
Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said the U-turn by the government was a "great victory for a well-run campaign, that has publicly embarrassed ministers".She told the Commons: "I'm delighted that we have now been able to agree - across government, across the House and with the Gurkhas' representatives - new settlement rights that all those who have served us so well, so highly deserve."

Under the measures outlined in the House, Gurkhas will be allowed to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children under 18. Ms Smith said she expected to welcome 10,000 to 15,000 applications from Gurkhas over the next two years. Ms Smith added that the Gurkhas had served the UK "with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world". The prime minister suffered a shock Commons defeat on the issue, forcing ministers to reconsider existing rules on how many Gurkhas can settle in the UK.
(Source: BBC News)

Our Perspective:
A moral victory for the legendary Gurkhas. It is difficult to say as a country what it means to Nepal, but surely a better life for the Gurkhas. This will definitely not help the small mountainous country, which not only fast forwards the brain drain but also reduces the foreign currency income through remittance. All the best for the Gurkhas for their new life.
And most noteworthily, this is the time we feel, we need to pay tribute to all those Gurkha soldiers who lost their lives in various wars, including the world wars, for their effort, hardwork and bravery, the result of which, the current generation of Gurkha soldiers and their families are enjoying.