- Senator The Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
- The Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
The inaugural ballot for the Falepili Mobility Pathway will open to registrations from Tuvaluan citizens on 16 June, enabling up to 280 Tuvaluans each year to live, work and study in Australia.
As a low-lying island nation, Tuvalu is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change.
The opening of the mobility pathway is an important milestone in the delivery of the groundbreaking Falepili Union Treaty, which was signed in 2023 in response to Tuvalu’s request of Australia to help safeguard the future of Tuvalu.
The agreement supports the people of Tuvalu to live and thrive in their home through land reclamation and continued investments in infrastructure, education and health.
At the same time, it will provide a pathway for mobility with dignity as climate impacts worsen.
This is also the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world that recognises that Tuvalu’s statehood and sovereignty will continue, notwithstanding the impacts of climate change-related sea level rise.
In 2025-26, Australia has committed $47 million in development assistance for important climate adaptation, telecommunications, infrastructure, health and education projects in Tuvalu.
This includes support for Tuvalu’s flagship national development initiatives, the Tuvalu Coastal Adaption Project (TCAP) and the Vaka Cable.
Our development partnership is advancing a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Tuvalu, which safeguards the future of Tuvalu’s people, identity and culture.
More information about the Falepili migration pathway including how to apply, is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Quote attributable to Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
"The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway delivers on our shared vision for mobility with dignity, by providing Tuvaluans the opportunity to live, study and work in Australia as climate impacts worsen.
"The Pathway reflects the deep trust between our two countries, and we look forward to the contributions Tuvaluans will make to Australian society."
Quote attributable to Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, The Hon Tony Burke MP:
"I am honoured to open the inaugural treaty stream visa ballot, delivering on Australia’s commitment to provide a special mobility pathway under the Falepili Union.
"This will provide Tuvaluan citizens the choice to live, work or study in Australia, bringing our nations closer together."
Quote attributable to Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, The Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"The Falepili Union is the most significant agreement between Australia and a Pacific country since the agreements for PNG’s independence in 1975.
"The opening of the Mobility Pathway ballot is a landmark moment for Australia and Tuvalu.
"Alongside the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme and the Pacific Engagement Visa, the Falepili migration pathway will strengthen relationships with our Pacific neighbours.
"It demonstrates how we are working in partnership with the Pacific to ensure our region remains peaceful, stable and prosperous."