Based on the latest data from Reuters, as of Sunday, 1,124 individuals have registered, with accompanying family members bringing the total to 4,052.

Communities facing ‘real challenges’

The nation has witnessed a 15cm rise in sea levels over the last 30 years, which is 1.5 times the world average. To counter this, they have constructed seven hectares of artificial land, with plans for more, aiming to keep these areas above the tide by 2100.

But some may feel they have little choice.

A ‘very generous visa’

Howes said successful applicants would have access to Medicare and others including family benefits and support to study.

In 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (second from left) and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano (right) announced the Falepili Union treaty. Source: AAP / Ben McKay

Professor Jane McAdam, director of the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at UNSW Sydney, described the Falepili Union treaty as the world’s first bilateral agreement that references climate change.

‘It’s not a climate visa’

“Under the agreement, Tuvalu has to seek Australia’s permission before entering into an agreement with the third country in relation to security, and that’s clearly aimed at China.”

“It’s often referred to as a climate visa, but it’s one that is not framed in that context. That’s partly because of Australia’s need to not frame things in that context because of our own interests.”