History of Nepalese in the UK

The history of Nepalis in the UK can be traced back to the early 19th century, when Nepali soldiers known as Gurkhas began serving in the British Army. The Gurkhas were renowned for their bravery and loyalty, and over the years they became an integral part of the British military.

Many Gurkhas settled in the UK after their service in the army, and by the 1960s there was a small Nepali community in London. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that Nepalis began to migrate to the UK in significant numbers. The 1980s saw a wave of Nepali migration to the UK, as political unrest in Nepal and economic opportunities in the UK drew many Nepalis to the country.

Most of these early migrants settled in London, and they were primarily employed in the hospitality and service industries. In the 1990s, the Nepali community in the UK began to grow rapidly, with many new arrivals settling in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. Today, there are estimated to be over 100,000 Nepalis living in the UK, with the majority residing in London and the surrounding areas.

The Nepali community in the UK is known for its close-knit family structure, with many Nepali families living together in multi-generational households. Nepali culture and traditions are also very important to the community, and there are a number of Nepali cultural events and festivals held throughout the year in the UK. In recent years, the Nepali community in the UK has become increasingly politically active, with many Nepalis campaigning for better rights and representation.

The community has also been involved in a number of humanitarian efforts, including fundraising for earthquake relief in Nepal in 2015. Overall, the history of Nepalis in the UK is one of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. Despite facing discrimination and hardship, the Nepali community in the UK has managed to build a strong and vibrant community that continues to grow and thrive today.

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