Latest news with #FeletiTeo
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Over 80% Of Citizens From This Pacific Nation Want To Move To Australia: Here's Why
Around four in five Tuvalu citizens have registered for Australia's climate migration visa, figures released on August 6 show. The Australian High Commission in Tuvalu confirmed 8,750 registrations for the first ballot, a number representing 82% of the Pacific nation's 10,643 residents, based on 2022 census data. 'We received extremely high levels of interest in the ballot with 8,750 registrations, which includes family members of primary registrants,' the commission said. Under the arrangement, only 280 visas will be available in the current programme year, leaving many applicants disappointed. The visa will allow successful Tuvaluans to live, work and study in Australia. A Nation Under Threat From Rising Seas Tuvalu, an archipelago of nine coral atolls, is among the most climate-vulnerable places on Earth. Scientists warn it could be uninhabitable within the next 80 years, with two islands already mostly submerged. The visa scheme is part of the Falepili Union treaty signed in 2024, which Australian officials have called 'the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world' to address climate-forced migration. 'Australia recognises the devastating impact climate change is having on the livelihoods, security, and wellbeing of climate-vulnerable countries and people, particularly in the Pacific region,' Australia's foreign affairs department told AFP in July. The Falepili Union In 2024, Australia and Tuvalu formalised the Falepili Union, an agreement aimed partly at countering China's growing influence in the Pacific. As part of the deal, Canberra introduced a dedicated visa category for Tuvaluan citizens, with recipients chosen through a random ballot. The treaty not only opens a permanent migration pathway for 280 Tuvaluans annually, but also strengthens bilateral ties through security commitments, disaster relief assistance and health crisis support. 'For the first time, there is a country that has committed legally to come to the aid of Tuvalu, upon request, when Tuvalu encounters a major natural disaster, a health pandemic or military aggression,' Prime Minister Feleti Teo had said. The agreement also gives Australia a say in Tuvalu's future defence partnerships, a provision that drew criticism over potential sovereignty compromises. Hopes, Concerns And Criticism While the migration pathway has been hailed as a landmark response to climate threats, some Tuvaluans fear mass departures could lead to labour shortages and erosion of cultural traditions. 'It was done in a secretive manner, kept away from the people, kept away from parliamentary process,' former prime minister and climate diplomat Enele Sopoaga told The Guardian, questioning how the treaty was negotiated. In June this year, Tuvalu opened its first ballot allowing citizens to apply for relocation to Australia. All Tuvalu nationals aged over 18, including those living abroad, were eligible to enter by paying a fee of A$25 (around Rs 1,500).
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
An entire country is shifting to Australia, as first planned migration is underway
Representative Image Tuvalu, a small island country in the Pacific Ocean, is preparing to carry out the world's first planned migration of an entire nation. According to a Wired report, the migration is because of rising sea levels with multiple studies suggesting that much of Tuvalu's land could be underwater within 25 years, forcing its people to move for survival. Tuvalu consists of nine coral islands and atolls with a population of just over 11,000. Its average elevation is only 2 meters above sea level, making it highly vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, and rising oceans caused by climate change. According to NASA's Sea Level Change Team, sea levels in Tuvalu were 15 cm higher in 2023 compared to the previous 30 years. At this rate, most of the country's land and infrastructure could be submerged by 2050. Tuvalu citizens to get permanent residency in Australia by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 BHK by the Lake, Off Old Madras Road Brigade Lakecrest Learn More Undo In response, Tuvalu and Australia signed the Falepili Union Treaty in 2023, creating a climate migration program . Under this agreement, 280 Tuvaluans per year will be granted permanent residency in Australia, with full rights to health care, education, housing, and jobs. The first phase of applications ran from June 16 to July 18. The Australian High Commission in Tuvalu reported 'extremely high levels of interest' with 8,750 registrations, including family members. The first 280 migrants will be selected by ballot on July 25. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the migration program would allow Tuvaluans to settle 'with dignity as climate impacts worsen,' while Tuvalu's Prime Minister Feleti Teo has urged global action, calling for a new international treaty to protect the rights of nations facing sea level rise. Experts estimate that, combining this program with other migration pathways to Australia and New Zealand, up to 4% of Tuvalu's population could migrate each year. 'Within a decade, close to 40 percent of the population could have moved—although some may return home or go backwards and forwards,' said Jane McAdam, a fellow at UNSW Sydney's Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law. Realme Buds T200 Review: Vibrant Sound, Sleek Design AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Kuwait Times
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Over 80% of Tuvalu seeks Australian climate visa
SYDNEY: More than 80 percent of Pacific nation Tuvalu's population is seeking a landmark climate visa to live in Australia as rising seas lap at its shores, official figures showed Wednesday. Australia is offering visas to Tuvalu citizens each year under a climate migration deal Canberra has billed as 'the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world'. 'We received extremely high levels of interest in the ballot with 8,750 registrations, which includes family members of primary registrants,' the Australian high commission in Tuvalu said in a statement. The figure is equal to 82 percent of the country's 10,643 population, according to census figures collected in 2022. 'With 280 visas offered this program year, it means that many will miss out,' the commission said. One of the most climate-threatened corners of the planet, scientists fear Tuvalu will be uninhabitable within the next 80 years. Two of the archipelago's nine coral atolls have already largely disappeared under the waves. The figures were released hours before a landmark decision by the world's top court in The Hague laying out what legal obligations countries have to prevent climate change and whether polluters should pay up for the consequences. The case, which has been brought by Pacific nations, could reshape climate justice, with major impacts on laws around the world. Australia and Tuvalu signed the groundbreaking Falepili Union in 2024, part of Canberra's efforts to blunt China's expanding reach in the region. Under that pact, Australia opened a new visa category specially set aside for citizens of Tuvalu who will be selected at random. 'Australia recognizes the devastating impact climate change is having on the livelihoods, security, and wellbeing of climate vulnerable countries and people, particularly in the Pacific region,' Australia's foreign affairs department told AFP last month. 'This is the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world, providing a pathway for mobility with dignity as climate impacts worsen.' It will also provide Tuvaluans the choice to live, study and work in Australia. — AFP Tuvalu citizens, including those living outside the country, were eligible to be included in the ballot if they are aged over 18 and pay a Aus$25 fee (US$16). The visa deal has been hailed as a landmark response to the looming challenge of climate-forced migration. The Falepili pact commits Australia to defending Tuvalu in the face of natural disasters, health pandemics and 'military aggression'. 'For the first time, there is a country that has committed legally to come to the aid of Tuvalu, upon request, when Tuvalu encounters a major natural disaster, a health pandemic or military aggression,' Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo said at the time. 'Again, for the first time there is a country that has committed legally to recognize the future statehood and sovereignty of Tuvalu despite the detrimental impact of climate changed-induced sea level rise.' The agreement also gives Australia a say in any other defense pacts Tuvalu signs with other countries, raising concerns at the time that the Pacific nation was handing over its sovereignty. Tuvalu is one of just 12 states that still have formal diplomatic relations with Taipei rather than Beijing. – AFP
Int'l Business Times
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
More Than 80% Of Tuvalu Seeks Australian Climate Visa
More than 80 percent of Pacific nation Tuvalu's population is seeking a landmark climate visa to live in Australia as rising seas lap at its shores, official figures showed Wednesday. Australia is offering visas to Tuvalu citizens each year under a climate migration deal Canberra has billed as "the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world". "We received extremely high levels of interest in the ballot with 8,750 registrations, which includes family members of primary registrants," the Australian high commission in Tuvalu said in a statement. The figure is equal to 82 percent of the country's 10,643 population, according to census figures collected in 2022. "With 280 visas offered this program year, it means that many will miss out," the commission said. One of the most climate-threatened corners of the planet, scientists fear Tuvalu will be uninhabitable within the next 80 years. Two of the archipelago's nine coral atolls have already largely disappeared under the waves. The figures were released hours before a landmark decision by the world's top court in The Hague laying out what legal obligations countries have to prevent climate change and whether polluters should pay up for the consequences. The case, which has been brought by Pacific nations, could reshape climate justice, with major impacts on laws around the world. Australia and Tuvalu signed the groundbreaking Falepili Union in 2024, part of Canberra's efforts to blunt China's expanding reach in the region. Under that pact, Australia opened a new visa category specially set aside for citizens of Tuvalu who will be selected at random. "Australia recognises the devastating impact climate change is having on the livelihoods, security, and wellbeing of climate vulnerable countries and people, particularly in the Pacific region," Australia's foreign affairs department told AFP last month. "This is the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world, providing a pathway for mobility with dignity as climate impacts worsen." It will also provide Tuvaluans the choice to live, study and work in Australia. Tuvalu citizens, including those living outside the country, were eligible to be included in the ballot if they are aged over 18 and pay a Aus$25 fee (US$16). The visa deal has been hailed as a landmark response to the looming challenge of climate-forced migration. The Falepili pact commits Australia to defending Tuvalu in the face of natural disasters, health pandemics and "military aggression". "For the first time, there is a country that has committed legally to come to the aid of Tuvalu, upon request, when Tuvalu encounters a major natural disaster, a health pandemic or military aggression," Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo said at the time. "Again, for the first time there is a country that has committed legally to recognise the future statehood and sovereignty of Tuvalu despite the detrimental impact of climate changed-induced sea level rise." The agreement also gives Australia a say in any other defence pacts Tuvalu signs with other countries, raising concerns at the time that the Pacific nation was handing over its sovereignty. Tuvalu is one of just 12 states that still have formal diplomatic relations with Taipei rather than Beijing.
RNZ News
07-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 7 July
Artisanal miners search for gold in the waters downstream from the Panguna mine in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Photo: OCCRP / Aubrey Belford The Bougainville House of Representatives amended the Mining Act last week. The new law amends legislation from 2015 to provide a clear legal framework on the levies payable on gold mined in Bougainville. President Ishmael Toroama, who is also Mining Minister, called it a practical reform that secures a fairer share of Bougainville's natural resource wealth for its people. He said they will improve compliance, increase transparency and help ensure that the benefits of gold production in Bougainville flow more directly to the Bougainville Consolidated Revenue Fund. The Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Feleti Teo, has told a United Nations meeting technology is not a luxury - it's a necessity for survival. During the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain, Teo said low-cost and high-impact technologies allow countries like Tuvalu to strengthen resilience and help it transform. To achieve this he said Tuvalu and other small threatened states need affordable financing mechanisms so they can effectively deploy these technologies. He said Tuvalu has solar energy and telemedicine, but scaling these solutions requires fair financing, skill-sharing, and international solidarity. The public accounts committee is calling on the government to urgently appoint a new High Commissioner to Wellington. TV Niue reported the post has been vacant since March 2023. In a 42-page report, the committee raised concerns about the delay - including unresolved issues around the High Commissioner's residence in Thorndon, which must meet earthquake safety standards set by the Wellington City Council. The committee said reinstating the role is crucial for strengthening diplomatic ties with New Zealand. It also flagged other concerns - from staff shortages and under-used government vehicles, to the lack of financial reporting on last year's 50th anniversary of self-government. Tonga's Miss Heilala for 2025/26 is Siosi'ana Taumoepeau, who was born in Germany, grew up in the United States and Canada, and has French links. The crowning of Miss Heilala is the highlight of the week-long festival celebrating Tongan culture and identity. There has been a Tau'olunga competition where seven contestants performed the graceful traditional dance at Tonga High School's Indoor Stadium in Nuku'alofa. Taumoepeau will also represent Tonga at the Miss Pacific Islands pageant.
