The unprecedented climate visa aimed at residents of Tuvalu has drawn significant interest, with one-third of its population entering a ballot for permanent residency in Australia, signaling urgent concern over climate-related displacement.
Record Applications for Australia's Climate Change Visa by Tuvalu Citizens
Record Applications for Australia's Climate Change Visa by Tuvalu Citizens
Over a third of Tuvalu's population seeks to secure a groundbreaking climate visa to migrate to Australia amid rising seas.
More than 1,100 citizens from Tuvalu, the world's second lowest-lying country, have applied for a groundbreaking climate visa that could allow them to permanently relocate to Australia. As the first intake for applications opened on June 16, the number of entries suggests this innovative program is set to be overwhelmed, especially since only 280 visas will be awarded to Tuvalu citizens each year through random selection.
This visa scheme, praised by Australia's foreign affairs department, is seen as a vital solution to address the looming threat of climate-induced displacement. Tuvalu's geographical vulnerability is significant, as the archipelago's maximum elevation reaches just five meters (16 feet) above sea level, placing it among the countries most at risk from rising ocean levels.
As of late June, the applications received totaled 1,124, encompassing around 4,052 Tuvaluans when family members are considered, out of a population nearing 10,643 based on the 2022 census. The new Pacific Engagement visa, designed for residents of Tuvalu, promises holders indefinite permanent residency in Australia along with numerous benefits. These include access to Australia's Medicare system, childcare subsidies, and educational opportunities comparable to those available to Australian citizens.
With an entry fee of A$25 (approximately £11.93 or $16.37), the application window closes on July 18 for the 2025 ballot. This visa initiative is part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union, established in August 2024, which underscores an Australian commitment to safeguard Tuvalu against natural disasters, public health crises, and military threats.
Prime Minister Feleti Teo has emphasized the significance of this landmark agreement, stating it legally acknowledges Tuvalu's future statehood and sovereignty in light of the adverse effects of climate change. Predictions from NASA scientists warn that by 2050, much of Tuvalu's land and essential infrastructure could be submerged beneath the current high tide, further amplifying the urgency for migration solutions.
