Australia strikes ‘climate refugee’ deal with drowning Pacific Island nation: Residents of tiny country offered chance to move
Anthony Albanese’s government has offered residents of the small island of Tuvalu the opportunity to live, work and study in Australia.
Tuvalu, a country of 11,200 people with nine low-lying islands in the South Pacific, could be the first country in the world to disappear due to rising sea levels.
In an announcement on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum in the Cook Islands, Albanese said Australia would sign a treaty with Tuvalu.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Kausea Natano
Australia will offer up to 280 residents the opportunity to come to Australia to live, work and study each year.
Under the pact, Australia will also provide assistance to the Pacific island nation in the event of natural disasters and pandemics that threaten national security.
“What this does is formalize Australia as Tuvalu’s partner of choice going forward,” Mr Albanese said.
Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Kausea Natano said the country’s residents would be allowed to work, study and live in Australia under the deal.
“Australia’s commitment to supporting the people of Tuvalu goes beyond words and has deeply touched our hearts,” Mr Natano said.