All former Gurkhas who have served in the British Army for at least four years will now be eligible for settlement in the UK, the Home Secretary announced in Parliament today.

Under the new policy, those Gurkhas who retired prior to 1 July 1997 and completed four years service can apply to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children.

The policy introduced today refers specifically to those Gurkhas who retired before 1 July 1997 and who will now be granted settlement rights under the new scheme.

Those who retired after 1 July 1997 are already eligible to apply for settlement under the current immigration rules.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith said: "Generations of Gurkhas have served the United Kingdom with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world.

"We respect the will of the House of Commons on this issue and that is why I have now announced a new policy, the basis of which we have worked on with the Home Affairs Select Committee and Gurkha representatives.

"This means we can now welcome any Gurkha who has served for four years or more to settle in the UK."

In 2004 the Government granted the first Gurkhas the right of settlement in Britain if they served on or after 1 July 1997 - the point at which the Brigade's base moved to the UK. Since then, over 6,000 Gurkhas and their families have been given the right to live in the UK.

The new policy announced will allow settlement rights to be granted to all those who retired from the Brigade of Gurkhas prior to 1 July 1997 with four or more years' service. The new policy reflects the fresh advice of the Home Affairs Select Committee around the numbers of Gurkhas and their families likely to apply under the new rules.