The Gurkha community have a deep rooted history in Maidstone through the Invicta Barracks and I have heard from many people regarding pension discrimination.
Gurkhas have served the British Crown for over 200 years and enjoy a rich heritage marked by excellence and sacrifice. I believe the support they receive should, therefore, fairly reflect their contribution to the UK Armed Forces.
The Gurkha Pension Scheme (which ran between 1948 and 2007) was based on the Indian Army Model and provides an immediate pension at Indian Army rates to those who served for at least 15 years. However, following the outcome of the 2007 review into Gurkha Terms and Conditions of Service, the previous UK Government decided to bring the Gurkhas’ Terms and Conditions of Service into line with those of their British counterparts.
Gurkhas currently serving, and those who served on or after 1 July 1997, have received an offer to transfer to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. The cut-off date aligns with when the UK became the home base for the Brigade of Gurkhas and changes in immigration rules - backdated to 1 July 1997 - meant that retired Gurkhas were increasingly likely to settle in the UK following their discharge.
I am aware that non-UK service personnel (including Gurkhas) can apply for settlement in the UK upon discharge if they have served a minimum of four years and meet immigration requirements. In addition, fees are waived for indefinite leave for non-UK personnel with at least six years’ service or who are discharged due to an illness or injury attributable to their service.