Tuvalu and Australia: A New Chapter in Climate Mobility

On 28 June 2025, ABC News Australia reported that approximately one-third of Tuvalu’s population has already applied to migrate to Australia under a newly created visa pathway — a direct response to the existential threat of climate change and rising sea levels in the Pacific.

📌 Source: “One-third of Tuvalu’s population has applied to move to Australia, minister says” – ABC News, 28 June 2025. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-27/tuvalu-residents-apply-for-australian-climate-change-visa/105466846

Tuvalu, with a population of around 11,000 people, is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion are rapidly making life unsustainable. Residents are facing the harsh reality of having to leave behind ancestral lands that may soon be underwater.

The Falepili Union: A Climate Mobility Agreement

In late 2023, Australia and Tuvalu signed the Falepili Union, a landmark bilateral agreement. Under this deal, Australia committed to offering 280 permanent residency places per year to Tuvaluan citizens — a new, formalised migration stream acknowledging climate-related displacement.

This agreement is one of the first of its kind globally, effectively creating a climate mobility pathway. It does not fall under the traditional refugee framework, but instead recognises environmental vulnerability as a humanitarian concern.

What Visa Subclass Is It?

Tuvaluan citizens accepted under the Falepili Union will be granted permanent residency in Australia through a special visa arrangement outside the standard migration program. As of now, the Department of Home Affairs has not listed this as a publicly accessible subclass, as it is governed by treaty arrangements and ministerial discretion.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, this pathway will:

• Allow 280 people annually to settle permanently in Australia

• Focus on orderly, safe and dignified mobility

• Prioritise sustainability and regional cooperation

Note: This is separate from Australia's humanitarian and skilled migration programs, and does not alter current refugee eligibility criteria.Australia’s agreement with Tuvalu is a significant step toward recognising the real-life impact of climate change on Pacific neighbours. While it’s not a typical visa pathway open to the general public, it sets an example of regional cooperation and forward planning.

As more communities face climate-related challenges, these kinds of tailored agreements may become more common — offering not just safety, but dignity and stability for those affected.

This story is a reminder that migration isn’t always about opportunity — sometimes, it’s about survival with respect, and finding a new home when the old one is no longer safe.