Anna M Townsend

The British Gurkhas After Resettlement: How They Can Successfully Contribute Towards Nepal's Development from the UK Anna M Townsend

Publisher Marketing: Many Nepalis have settled in the UK following service in the Gurkha regiments of the British Army. In 2009 their post-service terms and conditions were altered so that they and their immediate families could have indefinite leave to remain in the UK for the rest of their lives. This change has been negative for Nepal as a whole; the economy receives less remittance income from Gurkha soldiers who now invest in their future in Britain and the country has lost out on well educated family members who in the past returned to Nepal to work and establish businesses. As a further example, vulnerable women supported by the author's own charity, Women Without Roofs - Nepal, who were employed to do domestic work for ex-Gurkhas, have lost their jobs. This book presents how Nepal could put in place policies to make the most of its Diaspora population, and what these communities could do to contribute to Nepal's development. There is both a need to exploit the positive aspect of its Diaspora, namely their income and skills, and to protect against the negative effects. What can be learnt from other countries about successful management of migrants and Diasporas? In particular the research considers the case of serving and retired Gurkhas, and their wives that now live in the UK. It examines how they could specifically contribute to Nepal's development and through quantitative and qualitative research allows them to suggest ways to aid Nepal.