Overview
- More than one-third of Tuvalu’s roughly 10,600 citizens have applied to the Aus$25 climate visa lottery since it opened on June 16, with registration closing on July 18.
- The Falepili Union treaty inked in 2024 created the world’s first climate migration pathway by allocating 280 permanent residencies in Australia each year through random draws until 2050.
- Lottery results are expected by the end of July, and the initial group of successful applicants will arrive in Australia by the end of 2025.
- Visa winners will receive permanent residency upon arrival, gaining the right to work and access public healthcare and education in Australia.
- Critics warn that the exodus of skilled professionals and young talent could undermine Tuvalu’s demographic stability and long-term viability.