A third of Pacific island nation applies for Australian climate change visa
Summary
More than one-third of Tuvalu residents have applied for a new climate visa that lets them move permanently to Australia. This program, which started accepting applications on June 16, is designed to help people from climate-threatened places like Tuvalu relocate. Only 280 Tuvalu citizens are chosen each year through a random lottery.Key Facts
- Tuvalu is the world's second lowest-lying country, at just five meters above sea level.
- Over 4,000 Tuvalu citizens have applied for this visa, which is about a third of the population.
- The climate visa program started on June 16 and offers indefinite residency in Australia.
- Only 280 visas will be given to Tuvalu citizens each year through a lottery system.
- Visa holders can use Australia's public services like Medicare and education at local rates.
- Entry to the visa lottery costs A$25 and will close on July 18.
- This program is part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union, which also includes aid commitments.
- NASA predicts that Tuvalu's land will be mostly below the high tide level by 2050.
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