New Zealand is easing its visa regulations to attract more visitors, particularly aiming to make it easier for foreigners to work while staying in the country. Amidst challenges faced by various countries due to tourists and expats, New Zealand seeks to welcome more.
The relaxed rules target digital nomads, individuals who seek to combine travel with work abroad. Visitors can now work remotely for foreign employers for up to ninety days in New Zealand.
According to the Minister of Immigration, this change will likely enable tourists to extend their stays. The country views these ‘nomad visas’ as a new opportunity, already popular in nations like Japan, Brazil, and Portugal.
Remote work has been rising in popularity, especially among young people wishing to escape routines or certain climates, gaining significant traction during the pandemic. However, not all impacts are positive.
In South Africa, a campaign attracting digital nomads to Cape Town led to housing shortages and increased rent prices. Other countries are also implementing measures to mitigate tourist-related issues.
New Zealand’s tourism sector collapsed during the pandemic and has yet to recover to previous levels, as the nation is in an economic recession. The government hopes that remote workers will eventually boost trade with the country.
Source: NOS