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Gurkha Regiment

Volume 448: debated on Tuesday 4 July 2006

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the requirements are for ex-servicemen of the Gurkha regiment to be issued with visas to visit the UK. (81511)

Gurkhas serving in the British Army are exempt from immigration control as are other Foreign and Commonwealth personnel serving in HM forces. Upon discharge, when they cease to be exempt, they may apply for settlement and subsequently naturalisation in the UK.

If ex-servicemen of the Gurkha regiment wish to visit the UK, they need to meet the visit visa requirements of the immigration rules. The requirements to be met by a person seeking entry clearance as a visitor are that he/she: is genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for a limited period as stated by him/her, not exceeding six months; and intends to leave the UK at the end of the period of the visit as stated by him/her; and does not intend to take employment in the UK; and does not intend to produce goods or provide services (including the selling of goods or services direct to members of the public) within the United Kingdom; and does not intend to study at a maintained school (exchange students may be treated exceptionally) and will maintain and accommodate him/herself and any dependants adequately, and can meet the cost of the return or onward journey. Further information on visit visa requirements can be found on the UKvisas website at:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk