A Bill to amend the Immigration Rules in connection with the requirements for indefinite leave to enter and remain in the United Kingdom as a Gurkha discharged from the British Army.
The purpose of the Bill is to amend the immigration rules in connection with the requirements for indefinite leave to enter and remain in the UK as a Gurkha discharged from the British Army.In 2004, the Government changed the immigration rules to allow Gurkhas with at least four years of service to remain in the UK after their discharge from the British Army. Prior to this change in the rules, Gurkhas could not be granted indefinite leave to enter and remain after their discharge. However, the new rules only apply to Gurkhas discharged from the British Army on or after 1 July 1997.The Bill would enable Gurkhas who left service prior to 1997 to be granted indefinite leave to enter and remain in the UK.A similar Bill has been introduced in the House of Commons by Bob Russell, Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester, as the Immigration (Discharged Gurkhas) (No. 2) Bill.Key areasAmends the immigration rules for GurkhasAllows Gurkhas discharged prior to 1997 to be granted indefinite leave to enter and remain in the UK.
House of Lords
23 February 2009
This Bill would change UK immigration rules so Gurkhas who left the British Army before 1 July 1997 can be granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK. It extends the 2004 rule change that already allowed Gurkhas discharged after 1 July 1997 to stay, by removing the pre-1997 cutoff and bringing earlier veterans onto the same pathway. If enacted, eligible Gurkhas and their families could settle in Britain.
The Bill is at the Lords and at its 3rd reading. If approved, it would move to the House of Commons for consideration.
Generated 21 February 2026
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
