A third of Pacific island nation applies for Australian climate change visa

Tuvalu is a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, and it is one of the lowest-lying countries in the world, sitting just about five meters above sea level. Because of climate change, the sea is rising, and this puts Tuvalu at great risk. Many people in Tuvalu are already seeing the effects of climate change in their daily lives. For example, some people have to walk through knee-deep water to reach their homes, which are built on stilts to stay above the rising water. The land is narrow and surrounded by shallow, turquoise water, making it even more vulnerable to flooding and storms.

To help people from Tuvalu, Australia has created a new type of visa called the Pacific Engagement visa. This visa is special because it is designed for people who are at risk from climate change. The first time people could apply for this visa was on June 16, and already more than a third of Tuvalu's citizens have entered the ballot. In total, 1,124 applications have been submitted, which includes 4,052 people when family members are counted. This is a big number, considering Tuvalu only has about 10,643 people according to the 2022 census. However, only 280 visas will be given out each year, and the winners are chosen randomly.

If someone from Tuvalu gets this visa, they will be able to live in Australia permanently. They can travel in and out of Australia whenever they want, and they will get support when they arrive. This includes access to Australia's Medicare health system, help with childcare costs, and the chance to study at schools, universities, and vocational training centers at the same cost as Australian citizens. To enter the ballot for the 2025 visa, people have to pay 25 Australian dollars, and the chance to apply will close on July 18. This visa is part of a bigger agreement between Australia and Tuvalu, called the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union. Australia has promised to help Tuvalu in case of natural disasters, health emergencies, or even military threats. The Prime Minister of Tuvalu said this is the first time a country has made a legal promise to recognize Tuvalu's statehood and sovereignty, even if climate change causes the sea to rise and cover the land. Scientists from NASA predict that by 2050, most of Tuvalu's land and important buildings could be below the high tide level. This is why so many people from Tuvalu are hoping to get the chance to move to Australia and start a new life.