Dr Shovita Dhakal Adhikari's paper found that the men faced discrimination, stereotypes, and racism in England

Date: 1 September 2026

New research by a London Metropolitan University academic has explored the “complex” identities of retired Gurkha soldiers living in England. 

Following policy changes in 2004 and 2009, those who served as Gurkhas in the British Army gained settlement rights, which created opportunities to pursue second or third careers in Britain. 

The paper by lead author Dr Shovita Dhakal Adhikari, a senior lecturer in criminology and sociology, included in-depth interviews with 17 Gurkha men settled in South East England. 

She said: “Our study explores how retired Gurkha soldiers drew on their different skills, resources and networks to navigate their new lives.  

“Despite their long-established connections with the British Crown, our research participants often encountered unanticipated challenges such as discrimination, stereotypes, and racism.  

“For our middle-aged and older research participants, embracing their Gurkha/martial identity and gaining recognition of their service was crucial not only to cope with discrimination but also to reassert their masculine identity.”

Some key findings of the study are below. The full paper, which was co-authored with Louise Ryan, Professor of Sociology at the University of Greenwich, is available online. 

‘Overt racism’ 

Many participants reported facing “overt racism” when they first arrived in England and some Gurkhas continue to experience more subtle forms of discrimination today. 

For instance, one said: “There is still discrimination between local [residents] and migrants here. It is visible in their behaviour towards us.” 

Their experience in the British Army was often not recognised by employers, with some being discriminated against.   

In addition, participants said that because most of the Gurkha military involvement occurred overseas, such as Afghanistan or the Falklands, their contribution was unfamiliar to some local British residents, especially younger generations. 

Navigating their ‘colonial’ image 

British colonial leaders devised the concept of a “Martial Race” to describe how some men were naturally suited to being soldiers. The Gurkhas were known as the "bravest of the brave". 

When faced with racism and discrimination, the paper found that these men drew upon their Gurkha identities to “emphasise positive traits such as bravery, strength and discipline, but also, very importantly, loyalty to the British Crown”. 

One participant said: “There is a perception that Gurkhas never lie, which is why they are seen as very loyal at work.” 

But while those surveyed were able to use their “hyper masculine” reputation to secure employment opportunities in later life, they were restricted by that as well.  

Most participants now work in security or transportation jobs, despite some having aspirations for better paid, professional occupations. 

One said: “I remember applying for an accountant position. I was qualified for it as I had done a lot of training, but I didn't get the job. I was told it was because I was an ex-Gurkha.” 

Conclusion 

A key finding was the complexity Gurkhas have in navigating their “martial masculine” reputation. 

“While on one hand, [the Gurkha image] enables the assertion of a strong masculine identity and long historical links to the British Crown, on the other hand this image also risks reinforcing racialised and colonial stereotypes," the paper said.