In news– Indonesia has recently announced “Digital Nomad Visas” for travellers to attract foreign tourists as their earnings come from outside the country.
About Digital Nomad Visa-
- Under this Visa, remote workers will be able to stay for a long time in Indonesia, including Bali, tax-free.
- The visa policy was announced by Indonesia’s Tourism Minister to boost tourism in the country.
- It would be the longest digital nomad visa compared to other countries and it would be applicable for five years.
- The purpose of announcing Digital Nomad Visas is to get over 3.6 million overseas travellers into the country over the next year to explore spiritual retreats as well as the eco-tourism of Indonesia.
- It would create a million jobs for Indonesians as the borders have now opened for foreign tourists.
- The decision was taken after a survey that showed Indonesia was “top of mind” for 95% of the remote workers.
- Presently, there are various types of visas available in the country for digital nomads such as Visa on Arrival (VoA), Tourist of Cultural Visa and the country’s Free Visa.
- However, the duration of these visas is between 30 and 180 days.
Which countries are providing Nomad Visas?
- In March, Italy released a new permit for non-EU nationals or digital nomads who can stay up to 90 days in the country without a visa.
- While Antigua and Barbuda are providing nomad visas for two years where the travellers will have to maintain their health insurance.
- Barbados provides a year-long remote working visa which can be extended further.
- Other countries like Croatia, Costa Rica, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Mauritius, Norway, and Spain among many others are offering nomad visas.
What is Digital Nomads?
- Digital Nomads are those who choose to work remotely and independently. Besides working in one place, they chose to spend their earned income in the country they are travelling to.
- Unlike other remote workers who usually stay in one place and do work, digital nomads travel and explore while working.
- It was reported that around 10.9 million American workers described themselves as digital nomads in 2020 which was above 49 per cent from 2019.
- As the pandemic occurred the majority of the work areas were moved on the web, while certain workplaces have started to open, most organisations have declared remote work.
- Presently, as the world has moved to vaccinations and all borders have opened up, individuals can continue their regular jobs from any corner of the world.
Source: The Indian Express
