Australia Offers ‘Climate Asylum’ to Residents of Pacific Nation

Australia’s climate visa will be granted to 280 Tuvaluans each year, equivalent to 2.5 percent of Tuvalu’s population of 11,200.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Tuvalu Prime Minister sign a compact between the two nations at the Pacific Resort, Rarotonga, the Cook Islands, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. AAP Image/Ben McKay

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a “groundbreaking agreement” to offer asylum to residents of the small Pacific nation Tuvalu over fears climate change could impact their homeland.

The move provides a pathway for citizens of the South Pacific island country to relocate and access Australian services.