Written question asked by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 19 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 May 2009. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration: Gurkhas

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what potentially analogous categories of immigrant his Department considered when formulating its policy on the rights of residence of Gurkhas; and what elements of the Government's policy on such rights of residence would apply to each such category.

Answer: When formulating the policy on the settlement rights of former Gurkhas it was important to find a package which met the needs of the Gurkhas, which was affordable and was consistent with our broader immigration policies. This included consideration of the settlement rules for Commonwealth soldiers, the policies on other immigration categories that provide a route to settlement, the time limits on applications, dependants and the UK Government's wider responsibilities under the Human Rights Act.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 496 c930W; 276908
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Written Questions: Government Responses
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Immigration Gurkhas
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk