British immigration officials told former Nepalese Gurkha soldiers on Thursday that they could not stay in the country despite a government pledge to relax rules limiting how many could retire here.

Gurkha soldiers have fought for Britain since 1815, and they still go into battle with traditional curved Kukri knives. Their advocates say they should have the same settlement rights as other overseas troops.

Opposition politicians said that letters had been sent to five Gurkhas rejecting their settlement applications, despite the government’s promise to be more accommodating.