Recently, Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty was announced. Under this deal, Australia will provide migration pathways for people from Tuvalu facing the existential threat of climate change.
- It is the world’s first bilateral agreement on climate mobility. Based on the principles of “neighbourliness, care and mutual respect”, the treaty is a result of a request by Tuvalu for Australia to support and assist its efforts on climate change, security and human mobility.
- Under the treaty, Australia will implement a special visa arrangement to allow Tuvaluans to work, study and live in Australia.
- This is not a refugee visa, but rather will allow up to 280 Tuvaluans (from a population of around 11,200) to migrate to Australia each year — presumably on a permanent basis.
