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yesterday

Nearly One-Third of Tuvaluans Enter Ballot for Australia’s Climate Visas

Under the Falepili Union, Australia has pledged to defend Tuvalu in the event of natural disasters or military aggression.

© Hao Hsiang Chen via Shutterstock
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A giant piece of driftwood dominates the shoreline of Tepuka Islet on Funafuti Atoll, 22 February 2004, as rising sea levels inundate many of Tuvalu's low islands. Tuvaluans fear that global warming induced changes in sea level coupled with king tides and cyclones will soon render their Polynesian archipelago uninhabitable. AFP PHOTO/Torsten BLACKWOOD
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Overview

  • Over 3,125 Tuvaluans—almost 30% of the 10,643-strong population—have registered for a chance at one of 280 annual climate visas.
  • The 2024 Falepili Union established the visa program and binds Australia to protect Tuvalu against environmental crises or foreign threats.
  • Registration for the Aus$25 ballot closes on July 18, with the first round of visas set to be granted by the end of July.
  • Scientists warn that rising sea levels have submerged two of Tuvalu’s nine coral atolls and could render the nation uninhabitable within 80 years.
  • Researchers caution that a sustained exodus could drain Tuvalu of skilled workers and imperil its long-term viability.