More than one-third of Tuvalu’s population has applied for a new Australian climate visa, as fears rise over the island nation’s long-term survival due to rising sea levels. Located in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and Hawaii, Tuvalu is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Scientists predict much of it could be underwater in a few decades if sea levels continue to rise, Reuters reports.
Tuvalu is made up of nine atolls and is home to around 11,000 people. According to NASA, if sea levels rise by one metre by 2050, half of Funafuti, the main atoll that hosts 60% of the country’s population, could be submerged daily by tides. The worst-case scenario, a two-metre rise, could submerge up to 90% of the area. As per a report by Reuters, the island’s average elevation is only two metres above sea level. Over the last 30 years, sea levels around Tuvalu have risen by 15 cm, more than one and a half times the global average. The country has started building artificial land in an effort to preserve habitable space, but those efforts are unlikely to fully protect the population in the long term.
As environmental risks intensify, Tuvaluans are now looking at migration as a permanent solution.
What is the Climate Visa?
In June 2025, Australia opened applications for the Pacific Engagement Visa, which provides Tuvaluans the opportunity to migrate to Australia permanently. The visa program is part of the Falepili Union, a bilateral treaty signed between Australia and Tuvalu in 2024. The treaty includes commitments not only to provide migration options but also to support Tuvalu in the event of natural disasters, public health emergencies, and security threats, according to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia.
According to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, 1,124 Tuvaluan citizens submitted primary applications by June 27. When family members are included, the number of individuals seeking relocation under this visa rises to 4,052, BBC News reported. This figure represents nearly 40% of the entire population, based on Tuvalu’s 2022 census.
Under the terms of the visa, only 280 people will be selected each year through a random ballot system. The selection process is designed to avoid a sudden brain drain from Tuvalu, allowing for controlled migration.
What does the visa offer?
The Pacific Engagement Visa grants successful applicants indefinite residency in Australia. This includes the right to:
Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Teo described the treaty with Australia as a “legally binding commitment to safeguard the statehood and sovereignty of a nation affected by climate change.”
What’s next?
The first phase of applications closes on July 18, 2025. Given the limited annual intake, most applicants will not be selected this year. However, the program is expected to continue in future years.
The Australian government has positioned this visa as a landmark policy response to the realities of climate migration.
Tuvalu is made up of nine atolls and is home to around 11,000 people. According to NASA, if sea levels rise by one metre by 2050, half of Funafuti, the main atoll that hosts 60% of the country’s population, could be submerged daily by tides. The worst-case scenario, a two-metre rise, could submerge up to 90% of the area. As per a report by Reuters, the island’s average elevation is only two metres above sea level. Over the last 30 years, sea levels around Tuvalu have risen by 15 cm, more than one and a half times the global average. The country has started building artificial land in an effort to preserve habitable space, but those efforts are unlikely to fully protect the population in the long term.
As environmental risks intensify, Tuvaluans are now looking at migration as a permanent solution.
What is the Climate Visa?
In June 2025, Australia opened applications for the Pacific Engagement Visa, which provides Tuvaluans the opportunity to migrate to Australia permanently. The visa program is part of the Falepili Union, a bilateral treaty signed between Australia and Tuvalu in 2024. The treaty includes commitments not only to provide migration options but also to support Tuvalu in the event of natural disasters, public health emergencies, and security threats, according to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia.
According to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, 1,124 Tuvaluan citizens submitted primary applications by June 27. When family members are included, the number of individuals seeking relocation under this visa rises to 4,052, BBC News reported. This figure represents nearly 40% of the entire population, based on Tuvalu’s 2022 census.
Under the terms of the visa, only 280 people will be selected each year through a random ballot system. The selection process is designed to avoid a sudden brain drain from Tuvalu, allowing for controlled migration.
What does the visa offer?
The Pacific Engagement Visa grants successful applicants indefinite residency in Australia. This includes the right to:
- Live, work, and study in Australia
- Access public health benefits through Medicare
- Receive subsidised education and childcare support
- Travel freely between Australia and Tuvalu
Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Teo described the treaty with Australia as a “legally binding commitment to safeguard the statehood and sovereignty of a nation affected by climate change.”
What’s next?
The first phase of applications closes on July 18, 2025. Given the limited annual intake, most applicants will not be selected this year. However, the program is expected to continue in future years.
The Australian government has positioned this visa as a landmark policy response to the realities of climate migration.
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