Concern over Gurkhas moving to the UK with nothing
January 05 2010 by Liam Clifford
Military charities claim they are concerned about the number of Gurkhas moving to the UK who have nothing and require financial and practical support.
In a
groundbreaking victory for the Gurkhas, those who retired before 1997 were last
year told by UK immigration that they would be allowed to settle in the UK
permanently. Their campaign was led by actress Joanna Lumley and gained huge
public support.
However, charities like the Army Benevolent Fund say that
as many as 12,000 Gurkhas may be applying for UK residency over the coming three
years and that many will be moving to the UK with nothing.
The Ministry of
Defence claims it will provide advice on housing and jobs and will also offer
help to those who 'fall through the net'.
Estimates indicate that each
Gurkha who decides to live in the UK will need around £2,000 to establish their
home with basic accommodation, furniture and appliances.
Paul Cummings of
the Army Benevolent Fund said those arriving and moving to the UK need a lot of support, "having not
been through any preparation in Nepal prior to arrival, they're coming here with
no resources to back them up and no means of sustaining themselves. It is an
issue of grave concern."
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