One-Third of an Island Nation Just Applied to Leave
keep one’s options open: to avoid making a final choice now so you can have more choices later
Tuvalu is a small island nation in the Pacific, and it has around 10,000 citizens. In just four days, one-third of its population signed up for a visa to move to Australia.
The new visa will let up to 280 people move to Australia every year. They can work, study, or live there. Unlike other visa programs, no job offer is needed. The visa was created as part of a treaty that focuses on the dangers of climate change. Tuvalu faces serious threats, including rising sea levels, flooding, and storm damage.
Some people were unsure about moving when it was first announced. But applying now allows them to keep their options open. If they get chosen in the ballot, they can still decide later if they want to move.
The Australian government calls it “the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world” because it offers permanent migration to people threatened by climate change.
Sample sentences
She didn’t say yes to the new job because she wants to keep her options open.
I might go to university next year, but for now, I’m keeping my options open.
We’re looking at different places to live, but we’re keeping our options open until we find the best one.
Read More:
Tuvalu’s ‘climate visa’ to Australia: Is it the beginning of a mass exodus from the island nation?