Over a Third of This Pacific Nation Wants to Relocate—Here’s Why

As rising sea levels threaten to submerge Tuvalu, nearly a third of its citizens have entered a new visa ballot allowing permanent migration to Australia.

Under the groundbreaking 2024 Falepili Union agreement, Australia is offering 280 climate visas annually to Tuvaluans—a world-first initiative addressing climate-driven displacement.

With over 3,100 applications in just four days, the program reflects both desperation and hope, but also raises concerns about a potential “brain drain” from the island nation as its future hangs in the balance.