New Zealand has introduced relaxed visa rules to welcome holidaymakers who work remotely while in the country. This change aims to boost the tourism sector and economy, which is currently struggling due to a technical recession. The new visa will allow people to work while traveling, targeting digital nomads who have become increasingly popular overseas. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized that this move reflects New Zealand’s aspiration to attract talent for work and travel. She noted uncertainty about the number of people taking advantage of the opportunity but highlighted its popularity among digital nomads and their potential long-term impact on the country. The economy, hurt by border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, is still recovering slowly; international visitors are at around 86% of 2019 levels. The government hopes this policy will position New Zealand as a welcoming destination for the world’s talent, encouraging future business opportunities with local firms and companies.
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-loosens-visitor-visa-rules-welcome-digital-nomads-2025-01-27