Calling all digital nomads!
Sa panahon karon, freelance jobs are becoming more and more prevalent and have become the go-to option, both for Sugboanons and foreigners. Obviously, it’s one of the best choices for those who prefer a steady flow of income while being able to work from home or at a preferred location, as long as it’s outside the typical office setting. So, with the influx of foreign freelance workers, our dear President Marcos decided, why not offer Digital Nomad Visas—just like other countries do?
What Is A Digital Nomad Visa?
In hindsight, a “Digital Nomad Visa” is a work permit, but as opposed to the regular work permit, this visa is specifically designed for those who work remotely and wish to live in a country for an extended period without being tied to a traditional office job. Before this kind of visa existed, freelancers and online entrepreneurs do their work in other countries under “tourist visas,” which is completely ILLEGAL! Why? Well, obviously it’s because tourist visas are intended for leisure travel, for a limited period of time. Therefore, you can’t accept or do any sort of work-related activities while under a tourist visa.
Several countries currently offer or presented the option of a digital nomad visa, such as Andorra, Dubai, Antigua and Barbuda, Ecuador, Aruba, Argentina, Estonia, Georgia, Norway, Portugal, Greece, Saint Lucia, Iceland, Seychelles, Malta, Thailand, Albania, Croatia, South Korea, Spain, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Cyprus, Romania, Cayman Islands, Montenegro, Mexico, Bahamas, Canada, Armenia, Barbados, Bermuda, Anguilla, Dominica, Curaçao, Belize, Japan, Indonesia, Uruguay, Panama, Taiwan, South Africa, Brazil, Malaysia, Turkey, and Namibia; and now, the Philippines is the newest addition!
Section 1. Digital Nomad Visa. The DFA is hereby authorized to issue Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) to non-immigrant foreigners who desire to enter and/or stay in the country for a temporary period for the purpose of working remotely using digital technologies, and whose clients or employers are situated outside the Philippines.
Qualifications to Get a Digital Nomad Visa
To further tourism and economy in the country—that’s the main reason based on the executive order. To apply for the DNV, foreign nationals must comply with the following:
- Must be at least 18 years of age;
- Must show proof of remote work using digital technology;
- Must show proof of sufficient income which is generated outside the Philippines;
- Must show proof of no criminal record;
- Must have health insurance valid for the period of the DNV;
- Must be a national of a country that offers DNVs to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a Foreign Service Post (FSP);
- Must not pose threat to the internal or external security of the Philippines; and
- Must not be employed in the Philippines.
Netizens Concerns Over Foreign Digital Nomad Visas
“What if the aliens take over?” asked one Netizen as many worried that this new policy may lead to possible displacement of local workers when companies prefer hiring remote foreign workers as opposed to locals. This would mean that there will be an imbalance in the freelance job market and unemployment rates may soar! Others also noted their concerns regarding the need for additional housing and transportation or public services as more and more foreigners come in, not just for a quick vacation but for employment.
Nevertheless, there are also many who favor the decision of the President, for as long as proper rules and regulations are set to avoid the negative effects.
How about you, Sugboanon? What do you think about the approval for offering foreigners “Digital Nomad Visas”? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
