A: Hey there! Heard anything exciting lately?
B: Not much, just the same old, you?

A: Well, I got some news about Tuvalu. You know that little island nation in the South Pacific?
B: Oh yeah, the one with the beautiful beaches, right?

A: Yeah, it's facing a big problem. Rising seas could submerge it soon! No wonder half their population applied for visas to live here in Australia.
B: Whoa, that sounds serious! I didn't know that. What happens now?

A: They're choosing 280 people each year by lottery. The applications closed recently and they got over 5,000! That's almost half of Tuvalu's population!
B: Wow, that's a lot! I wonder who'll get chosen...

A: If they win, they can work, study, and even get medical care in Australia. It's sad though, most of Tuvalu is less than 2 meters above sea level. The UN says by 2100, it might be all underwater at high tide!
B: That's really unfortunate... I hope things get better for them.

A: Australia's also trying to strengthen ties with Tuvalu because China is expanding in the Pacific. And guess what? Tuvalu is one of the nations that still recognize Taiwan!
B: Interesting... So, if they sign security agreements, they have to tell Canberra first, right?

A: Exactly! It's a big change for them, but it seems like they're doing whatever they can to survive.
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Citizens of the South Pacific island nation of Tuvalu are increasingly fearful that the country could be submerged by rising seas in the coming years. As a result, fully half the population has applied for visas that would allow them to live in Australia.



This comes after the two governments signed a treaty in 2023 over migration and security. It allows up to 280 people a year to come to Australia, chosen randomly by ballot.



The initial application process for next year closed on Friday. Australia's government says it received over 5,000 applications, about half of Tuvalu's population.



The final selection for people to get permanent residency will be made by lottery through January next year. The chosen individuals will have the right to work and receive education and medical care in Australia.



Most of the territory of Tuvalu's archipelago is less than two meters above sea level. The United Nations estimates that by the year 2100, 95 percent, including the capital, could be underwater at high tide.



Australia has been strengthening ties with Tuvalu as China expands its influence in the Pacific. Tuvalu is one of the few nations that still recognize Taiwan. Under the treaty with Australia, Tuvalu must consult Canberra before signing security agreements with other countries.