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Why did many Uvean and Futunan people move to New Caledonia?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Map showing the French overseas territory of Wallis and Futuna in the South Pacific Ocean, with detailed insets of the Wallis Islands (centered on Uvea) and the Horne Islands (Futuna and Alofi). The map marks settlements, main roads, mountains such as Mount Singavi and Mount Kolofau, and surrounding waters. A locator inset shows the territory's position relative to the Pacific region.
Wallis and Futuna

The migration of Uvean and Futunan people to New Caledonia was driven by a combination of economic "pull" and "push" factors.1

  • Pull Factors: Expatriates were drawn to New Caledonia by the availability of greater employment opportunities abroad.1
  • Push Factors: At home in Wallis and Futuna, residents faced limited economic prospects and increasing population pressures.1

Today, the Uvean and Futunan population residing in New Caledonia is actually larger than the population of their home islands. These expatriates play a significant role in the economy of Wallis and Futuna by sending remittances back to their families. While these financial contributions are vital, the islands' limited resources mean that a large-scale return of these expatriates would place an unsustainable burden on the local economy.12