In order to give a boost to their economies, several countries – in recent years -- have been seeking to attract entrepreneurs through what is dubbed as a ‘golden vi

In order to give a boost to their economies, several countries – in recent years -- have been seeking to attract entrepreneurs through what is dubbed as a 

 – a residency visa by investment type of program. While some countries, such as 

 and Portugal, have ended their golden visa program due to domestic economic and political considerations, countries like UAE have expanded the same. The UAE long-term residency visa is no longer aimed only at attracting investors, but also other categories including 

. One of the interesting categories is what is called a ‘virtual work residency visa’ also referred to as a digital nomad visa.

Under this category, one can work in the UAE for a year while continuing to work for one’s employers or businesses. It would be pertinent to point out, that several countries – including Brazil, Spain, Greece, Mexico – offer such an 

 In a changing economic landscape, where freelance work is becoming more common and in the post-pandemic world where remote work is becoming the preferred mode of work both for employers and employees the demand for such a visa is likely to grow.

Other countries in the Gulf are also likely to follow suit. New residency visa categories will not just benefit the UAE economy, but also help the country in further strengthening its innovation and Research and Development (R and D) eco-system and help them in reducing their dependence upon oil.

The UK has also recently announced that those on visitor visas can work via 

, though the primary purpose of their visit must be tourism.

Seeing the changing economic landscape other countries in East Asia are also trying to follow suit. Earlier this year, Japan announced liberalising of visas for skilled workers. One of the key factors for this change has been the declining population rate. Japanese PM, Fumio Kishida, while repeatedly flagging this point, also 

. “We have to consider a society where we coexist with foreigners

South Korea also has been seeking to attract talent and has been liberalizing work visas. Recently it has announced a digital nomad visa which seeks to promote “workation”. In a statement, the South Korean Government 

“So far, foreigners were required to apply for tourist visas or just stay for less than 90 days without a visa for ‘workcation’ in Korea. The new system will allow employees and employers in overseas firms to tour and work remotely in Korea for a longer period of time,” 

For securing a South Korean digital nomad visa, an individual will need to show that they earn an  annual income of 

. Under this category, individuals can bring their spouses and families along.

The digital nomad visa will give a strong fillip to South Korea’s economy and would be especially attractive for western expats as well as professionals from other parts of Asia.

The “nomad visa” underscores several points. First, countries need to think of innovative immigration policies which give a boost to their economies and enhance their “soft power” but also ensure that their own economic objectives are achieved. Second, if more countries opt for such arrangements “work from home” and freelance jobs will become popular. Third, the nature of globalization and immigration has changed and many western countries -- which for long have been the preferred destination for those seeking employment opportunities  -- have begun to introduce more insular immigration policies. Countries like UAE, Korea with innovative visa rules and categories could emerge as important destinations for education, work and even permanent residence.

In conclusion, the ‘digital nomad visa’ is not just a new visa category, but  important in the context of the global economic landscape, immigration and changing work culture.

Digital nomad visas and the changing nature of globalization, immigration policies and work culture

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