Jacqui Smith has announced details of a policy U-turn that will allow more Gurkha veterans to settle in the UK.
In a Commons statement, the home secretary said all former Gurkhas with at least four years service will be allowed to move to Britain with their families.
Smith told MPs she was "proud to offer this country's welcome to all" who have served in the Gurkhas.
"On the basis of the figure of 10,000 to 15,000 main applicants suggested by Gurkha representatives, I expect to be able to welcome these applicants and their families over the course of the next two years," Smith announced.
"I'm making resources available to do this and making it clear there should be no time limit on these applications."
Additionally, Gurkhas will be entitled to bring with them their partners and dependent children under 16.
And the new guidance will also apply to applications currently being processed.
She referred to the "unique nature" of the service provided by the Gurkhas which had led to the policy change.
Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said the government U-turn was a "great victory for a well-run campaign" which had publicly embarrassed ministers.
"There was never a justification to deny that right to a group of people who have long lived in the nation's affections, and who have risked and often given their lives for its protection," Grayling said.
"It is just a shame that the government had to be dragged kicking and screaming through the courts and then through the crowds of Gurkhas outside Parliament before it finally did the right thing."
Chris Huhne, Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, also welcomed the announcement.
Criticising the government for their "dithering and delay" on the issue, he said it had only emphasised the "gracelessness" of the original decision.
"Why did it take so long to recognise the public backing for this fundamental principle and to recognise the important claim that the Gurkhas have on the hearts of the British people?" he asked.
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