New residency rules anger Gurkhas

LONDON, April 26 (UPI) -- Gurkha soldiers and advocates say they are upset because only a few of them would qualify for residence in Britain under new rules released by the Home Office.

Under the regulations announced Friday, soldiers would need at least 20 years of service with the British Army to qualify, The Independent reported. Soldiers could also qualify if they have close family in Britain, have been disabled by military service or have been honored for bravery.

Citizens of other Commonwealth countries can gain British residence after four years' military service, but far fewer serve with British forces. The Gurkhas, a Nepalese group, have a military history with Britain that began in the 19th century and has continued through the invasion of Iraq.

The new rules are the government's attempt to comply with a court ruling that the previous regulations were too restrictive.

Joanna Lumley, who led a group of Gurkha veterans to the Houses of Parliament, promised a new court fight Friday. The actress, whose father fought with a Gurkha regiment, said the rules show "absolute contempt for the ordinary Gurkhas who served this country bravely and without complaint."