New Zealand eases visa rules to attract ‘digital nomads’

New Zealand has relaxed visa requirements to allow tourists to visit the country and work remotely to boost its tourism sector.

Under the new rules, visitors to the country can work remotely for a foreign employer while on vacation for up to 90 days.

The country’s government says the move is aimed at making New Zealand “more attractive to digital nomads,” referring to people who travel to work remotely.

New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the change would allow more visitors to extend their stay, allowing more money to be spent in the country.

The government said the changes will apply to all visitor visas, including tourists and family, partner and guardian visitors on long-term visas.

In addition, only overseas-based remote work is allowed, and visitors applying to enter the country still need to obtain the appropriate visa.

New Zealand’s tourism industry generates about $11 billion, the government says.

Several other countries have introduced visa programs for digital nomads over the past few years in an effort to accommodate the growing number of people working remotely.

The trend took off in the 2010s. Mostly among young workers Those who wanted to escape from their daily routine. Lockdowns around the world have fueled a shift in attitudes towards remote work, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Countries offering digital nomad visas include Japan, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Brazil, Spain and Portugal.

But the presence of digital nomads in some places has also sparked debate. in the Cape Town, South AfricaDetractors say the influx of remote workers has driven up prices.

The influx of visitors from countries such as Spain and Greece has also fueled protests against tourism.