Explanatory note

Section 340 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (c.52) prohibits aliens from serving in the regular forces or Her Majesty’s forces raised under the law of a British overseas territory other than Gibraltar. However, the Defence Council may make regulations which exempt aliens who satisfy prescribed conditions from the prohibition.

The Armed Forces (Aliens) Regulations 2009 (the “principal Regulations”) permit citizens or nationals of Nepal to serve in the Brigade of Gurkhas and, if they have served at least 5 years with the Brigade, to serve in other units of the regular forces or a force of a British overseas territory (other than Gibraltar). These Regulations amend the principal Regulations so that Nepali citizens or nationals must serve in the Brigade of Gurkhas for at least 7 years before transfer to such other units. This increase in the required period of service does not apply to Nepali citizens or nationals who were serving in the Brigade of Gurkhas before 31st December 2018.