[Presented to the Theoretical Seminar during The World Women’s Conference of Grassroots Women (WWC) held from 26-30 November, 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal.]
Respected Chairperson, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished guests from across the globe!
On behalf of the British Gurkha Ex-Servicemen Organisation (BGAESO), I wish to raise grave concerns regarding the ongoing discrimination faced by Gurkha women and the families of the Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force (GCSPF).
It has been 210 years since the United Kingdom (UK) began recruiting young Nepalese as Gurkhas. Throughout this period, Nepali youths have fought valiantly for the United Kingdom in numerous conflicts. Thousands lost their lives in World Wars I and II, as well as in wars in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Falklands. Many suffered injuries, became disabled, went missing, or were taken as prisoners of war. Countless children were orphaned, and many women were widowed. Regrettably, the Government of Nepal has yet to comprehensively document these sacrifices.
The recruitment of Gurkhas commenced in 1815 under the East India Company without a formal agreement with Nepal. A legal framework was only established in 1947, when the United Kingdom entered into a formal agreement with Nepal, permitting the recruitment of Nepali citizens into its armed forces. Yet, the United Kingdom continues to recruit Nepali youths for service in Singapore and subsequently deploys them to Brunei without the agreement of the Government of Nepal. This practice raises serious concerns regarding Nepal’s sovereignty, legality, ethics, and human rights. The irregular and unauthorized nature of this recruitment continues to yield substantial financial benefits for the UK.
The Singapore Gurkha Contingent was officially established in April 1949. During the 1950s and 1960s, Nepali Gurkhas played a crucial role in crushing riots and maintaining peace in Singapore. Even after Singapore attained independence in 1965, the UK continued—and continues to this day—to send Nepali youths to serve in the Gurkha Contingent of the Singapore Police Force (GCSPF).
Families of Singapore Gurkhas face a multitude of challenges, including:
- Inability to reside with their families until completing six years of service.
- Spouses, even if highly qualified professionals, are not permitted to seek employment in Singapore.
- Their children are prohibited from pursuing higher education or employment in Singapore.
- Gurkha widows are denied pensions following the passing of their spouses.
- Children must leave Singapore upon reaching 21 years of age.
- Gurkhas may not marry individuals of other nationalities, and violating this results in termination of service.
Gurkha women endure both legal and social discrimination, contravening international human rights standards. Many highly qualified women are relegated to the role of housewife, resulting in depression, frustration, and, tragically, sometimes suicide. Gurkha children, including those born in Singapore, are denied citizenship or permanent residency and must leave the country upon turning 21, often with their education unfinished. Many individuals experience language barriers and face difficulties continuing their education in Nepal.
The ongoing illegal recruitment of Nepali youths as Gurkhas for deployment in Singapore and Brunei, and the resultant discrimination, exploitation, and violation of human rights endured by their families, are issues of grave concern. The British Gurkha Ex-Servicemen Organisation (BGAESO) has been seeking justice for over 30 years. We continue to campaign from Nepal to the UK, demanding an end to these injustices. We appeal to the international community for support and solidarity in eradicating discrimination against Nepali Gurkhas and their families and safeguarding their rights.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Padam Sundar Limbu
Chairman, British Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen’s Organisation (BGAESO)
Central Committee
Kathmandu, 28 November 2025.
SUUMMURY
On behalf of the British Gurkha Ex-Servicemen Organisation (BGAESO) I would like to raise some serious concerns regarding the discrimination faced by Gurkha women and their families in Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force (GCSPF).
The British Gurkha Ex-Servicemen Organisation (BGAESO) highlights ongoing legal, social, and economic discrimination faced by Gurkha families serving in the Singapore Police. This includes a lack of family rights, employment, and education opportunities, and broader human rights concerns.
- Gurkha recruitment began without formal agreement by Nepal, and still continues without Nepal’s consent.
- The UK and Singapore benefit financially from Gurkha service, raising issues about Nepal’s sovereignty.
- Families face multiple restrictions:
- Gurkhas cannot live with their families for the first six years of service.
- Spouses cannot work, regardless of qualifications.
- Children are not allowed higher education or jobs in Singapore; they must leave at 21.
- Widows do not receive pensions.
- International marriage is prohibited; breach leads to job loss.
- Gurkha women face legal/social discrimination and mental health challenges due to their restricted roles.
- Children born in Singapore are not granted citizenship or permanent residency, impacting their education and future.
- BGAESO seeks international support to end exploitative and discriminatory treatment.
