Fact Check: "1,124 Tuvaluans have applied for Australia's climate visa since its launch."
What We Know
As of June 27, 2025, there have been 1,124 applications submitted for Australia's new climate visa by citizens of Tuvalu. This figure represents a significant portion of the population, accounting for approximately 4,052 Tuvaluans when including family members in the applications. Tuvalu has a total population of about 10,643 according to the latest census data from 2022 (BBC). The climate visa program was launched in June 2025 as part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union, which aims to provide a pathway for Tuvaluans facing climate-related displacement due to rising sea levels (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that 1,124 Tuvaluans have applied for the climate visa is supported by multiple credible sources. The BBC reports the exact number of applications as of June 27, 2025, confirming that this figure is accurate. Additionally, the New York Times corroborates this information, noting that nearly half of Tuvalu's population has applied for the visa, which aligns with the reported application numbers.
The sources used are reputable news organizations with established credibility in reporting on international issues, particularly climate change and immigration policies. The BBC is known for its thorough journalism and fact-checking processes, while the New York Times has a long-standing reputation for investigative reporting and accuracy. Therefore, the information provided by these sources can be considered reliable.
Conclusion
The claim that 1,124 Tuvaluans have applied for Australia's climate visa since its launch is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the accuracy of this statement, reflecting the significant interest among Tuvaluans in migrating to Australia due to the impacts of climate change.