More than half the population of Tuvalu applies for landmark Australian visa

A new visa program for Pacific nations has led to one country’s population applying in droves to flee their climate-exposed island.

More than half of the citizens of Tuvalu have applied for a visa to permanently migrate to Australia.

Just more than a month ago, Australia opened the The Falepili Mobility Pathway ballot, a program to provide citizens of the tiny island nation of Tuvalu a permanent migration pathway to Australia.

The country has a population of just 10,643, while at least 5157 of them entered the lottery, more than half of the nation’s people.

This was through 1466 registrations, with many of the people being included as family members on applications.

The ballot, which closed on Friday, randomly selected up to 280 people each year to apply for the visa.

It is open to all Tuvalu citizens, regardless of age, and visa holders do not need to gain employment in Australia before applying.

Tuvalu’s population is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change.

If the pace of applications keeps up, it could mean the entire population of Tuvalu could live in Australia within 40 years.

Selections for the ballot will take place between July 25, 2025 and January 25, 2026.

The scheme allows successful applicants to live, work and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely, sponsor relatives to also migrate to Australia, and apply for citizenship once eligible.

The population of the island nation is one of the world’s most exposed to the effects of climate change, with this program providing a path to flee as the impacts worsen.

The visa program is part of an agreement between Australia and the Pacific nation.

The pathway is part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union that both countries signed on August 28, 2024, part of which is to build climate resilience.

Also included in the union is a commitment of $38m to invest in climate adaptation measures on the island.

Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said the ballot’s opening was a ‘landmark moment’. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

When the ballot opened last month, Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy called it the “most significant agreement” between Australia and a Pacific country since Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975.

“The opening of the mobility pathway ballot is a landmark moment for Australia and Tuvalu,” Mr Conroy said.

“Alongside the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme and the Pacific Engagement Visa, the Falepili migration pathway will strengthen relationships with our Pacific neighbours.

“It demonstrates how we are working in partnership with the Pacific to ensure our region remains peaceful, stable and prosperous.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the program provided a pathway ‘as climate impacts worsen’. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said “as climate impacts worsen” the program allowed Tuvaluans to live, study and work in Australia.

“The pathway reflects the deep trust between our two countries, and we look forward to the contributions Tuvaluans will make to Australian society,” Senator Wong said.