Latest news with #Tuvaluans
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Australia opens resettlement to Tuvalu citizens
The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens. The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens. The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens. The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Australia opens resettlement to Tuvalu citizens
The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tuvalu unveils first cash machines in 'momentous' ceremony
The tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has unveiled its first ever cash machines in a move hailed as momentous by the prime minister. Their instalment marks the first time the island's 11,000 inhabitants have had access to electronic banking. Five machines and 30 sale terminals have been installed on Funafuti, the country's main island, including at its airport. Feleti Teo, the prime minister, said the move "not only marks a momentous occasion but it is also historic as the bank moves into a totally new era". "We've been in an analogue space all along, these were dreams for us," Teo said according to the Guardian. "These machines don't come cheap. But with government support and sheer determination, we were able to roll out this service for our people." The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the National Bank of Tuvalu in the village of Vaiaku on Funafuti. It was also attended by traditional leaders, members of parliament and business officials. Until now, Tuvaluans have had to physically visit a bank to get money, and lengthy queues form outside as workers withdraw salaries on pay day. Shops will also be able to process electronic payments for the first time. The cash machines will initially only accept prepaid cards, however. The bank plans to introduce debit and credit cards that can be used internationally at a later date. The head of the national bank, Siose Penitala Teo, said the move to electronic banking and payments would open the door to economic empowerment. Tuvalu is a group of nine small islands in the South Pacific which won independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, all are low-lying, with no point on Tuvalu being higher than 4.5m above sea level. Local politicians have campaigned against climate change, arguing that it could see the islands swamped by rising sea levels. In November, Teo delivered a national statement at the COP29 Climate Conference in Azerbaijan, warning that rising sea levels as a result of melting glaciers will one day mean Tuvalu is entirely submerged. Tuvalu country profile
BBC News
16-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Tuvalu unveils first cash machines in 'momentous' ceremony
The tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has unveiled its first ever cash machines in a move hailed as momentous by the prime minister. Their instalment marks the first time the island's 11,000 inhabitants have had access to electronic machines and 30 sale terminals have been installed on Funafuti, the country's main island, including at its Teo, the prime minister, said the move "not only marks a momentous occasion but it is also historic as the bank moves into a totally new era". "We've been in an analogue space all along, these were dreams for us," Teo said according to the Guardian."These machines don't come cheap. But with government support and sheer determination, we were able to roll out this service for our people."The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the National Bank of Tuvalu in the village of Vaiaku on Funafuti. It was also attended by traditional leaders, members of parliament and business officials. Until now, Tuvaluans have had to physically visit a bank to get money, and lengthy queues form outside as workers withdraw salaries on pay will also be able to process electronic payments for the first cash machines will initially only accept prepaid cards, however. The bank plans to introduce debit and credit cards that can be used internationally at a later head of the national bank, Siose Penitala Teo, said the move to electronic banking and payments would open the door to economic is a group of nine small islands in the South Pacific which won independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, all are low-lying, with no point on Tuvalu being higher than 4.5m above sea level. Local politicians have campaigned against climate change, arguing that it could see the islands swamped by rising sea November, Teo delivered a national statement at the COP29 Climate Conference in Azerbaijan, warning that rising sea levels as a result of melting glaciers will one day mean Tuvalu is entirely submerged.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Island nation develops new strategy as 'irreversible' threat grows all around it: 'Option of last resort'
An island in the Pacific has become the poster child for our overheating planet as sea levels rise around them. Its residents are trying to adopt mitigation policies to keep their people in place. According to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, by the early 2050s, the island of Tuvalu will be surrounded by an "irreversible" additional six inches of water. The island country of Tuvalu is located about halfway between Australia and Hawai'i in the west-central Pacific Ocean. It has a mean elevation of only two meters (6.56 feet) and has already endured a sea level rise of nearly half a foot over the last thirty years, 1.5 times the global average per Reuters. A new report addresses at least two suggested solutions involving different levels of international migration. The report from the Toda Peace Institute emphasizes that Tuvaluans value their culture and sovereignty and that abandoning their country entirely can be avoided. "Relocation of the entire population is their option of last resort," according to the report. Cultural geographer Carol Farbotko is the author of the report. She pointed out that it is not certain that the small island state of 11,000 people will become uninhabitable. Tuvalu will do all it can to keep its people in place through adaptation measures to address the impacts of our warming world. "To ensure Tuvaluan culture, Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination can continue on Indigenous land and sea territory, relocation of the entire population is felt to be unacceptable – at the government level and among the people," the report said. Scientists who used a new method to calculate sea-level projections have warned that if heat-trapping pollution continues to increase, sea levels will likely climb half a meter to two meters (1.6 to 6.6 feet) by the end of this century. This rise would put many coastal communities and islands like Tuvalu at risk of being inundated by ocean waters. The American Meteorological Society's annual State of the Climate report for 2023 noted that sea levels hit a record high in tandem with record-warm ocean temperatures. The report added that sea levels have risen for 12 straight years. The kind of sea level rise projected if we don't curb heat-trapping gases released into the atmosphere would cause widespread flooding in coastal communities like Miami and New York. Should the government ban gas stoves? Yes Only in new buildings Only in restaurants No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The Toda Peace Institute report's recommendations include focusing "broadly on managing habitability risk at the outset, rather than pre-emptively jump to relocation planning" and identifying and addressing "insidious risks to sovereignty (such as depopulation through increased out migration)." A BBC report said Tuvalu is creating a digital copy of the country in the metaverse to "preserve the nation's beauty and culture—as well as the legal rights of its 11,000 citizens—for generations to come." Reducing the release of harmful heat-trapping gases into Earth's atmosphere by moving away from dirty energy sources and embracing cleaner, renewable options is crucial. Individuals can help by donating to climate-related organizations that fight for the future of our planet, talking to family and friends about climate issues, and advocating for change at work. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
