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NZ considers developing climate change refugee visa

NZ considers developing climate change refugee visa
Flooding caused by huge spring tides which Marshall Islands officials have blamed on climate change. [Photo: AFP]

The New Zealand Climate Change Minister James Shaw says they will consider creating a new visa category for people displaced by climate change.

Refugee conventions don't recognise climate change victims but efforts are being made through the Nansen Initiative to create a new status for people displaced by disasters.

Last week, the New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal rejected applications by Tuvalu families wanting to stay because of climate change.

But Mr Shaw said he was looking at a possible new visa category.

Shaw said the first target should still be to avert catastrophic climate change in Pacific Island countries.

Source: RadioNZ

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