South Africa is on its way to becoming the new hub for remote workers. In fact, the list of countries offering remote work visas is growing, with most countries around the world facing high unemployment rates. What are those visas all about, and what are the pros and cons of having such visas?
Cape Town has recently been awarded a Safe Travel stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in spite of current travel restrictions and the alarming situation in the rest of the country with the new COVID-19. Earlier this year, the country was honoured as one of the world's best cities for remote work in 2021". We all agree that Cape Town, which is the most popular destination in South Africa, has many assets. Besides its modern infrastructure, its world-class services and high-tech networks, Cape Town has immense natural wealth and offers a myriad of leisure activities to suit all tastes. So there's no doubt that it can be the new haven for digital nomads as well as those who have been pushed into remote working since the early days of the global health crisis. Besides, the visa application can be made online.
Interestingly, more and more countries are currently promoting remote work visas instead of reopening their respective labour markets. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented jobs crisis around the globe. The significant rise in the unemployment rate globally has impacted the society and economy of most countries. Hence, these countries are exploring new avenues to bring in foreigners to boost their economies without affecting their local workforce. In fact, we mentioned this some time back in our articles Dubai lures remote workers with new visa and Island destinations that are luring expats amid the crisis.
Key points for choosing your next destination
Today, Caribbean islands stand out from the rest of the world, with low COVID-19 infection rates. So offering remote work visas seems quite natural. After Barbados, Aruba and Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat is now introducing a remote work visa that is valid for a year. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must certify that they are employed in their home country and comply with the minimum wage requirement. In addition to the visa processing fees, they must also have health insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage. Note that the island is keeping its borders closed to tourists until further notice. Remote workers are required to self-isolate for 14 days and provide a negative PCR test within 5 days from their arrival.
But why would you go to the Caribbean when Mauritius, which is at crossroads between Africa and Asia, offers a similar visa? Launched in October 2020, the Premium Visa is intended for foreign professionals working for companies or clients based outside Mauritius and is valid for a year. Applicants have to justify the source of their monthly salary and meet the minimum wage criteria. They must also provide their accommodation booking and proof of health insurance. However, the application can be made online for free. Until now, more than 200 applications have already been approved, while some forty requests are being studied. Still, keep in mind that premium visa holders will have to spend the first 14 days of their arrival in paid quarantine, that is, in a designated hotel.
For those who don't want to be quarantined, here's some good news! If you're not looking for the three S (Sun, Sand and Sea), head to Georgia, which is found at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This country recently launched a long-term visitor program that is mainly aimed at remote workers and foreign entrepreneurs. By choosing Georgia, you will be exempt from the 12-day quarantine (which is at the travellers' expense) if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. However, you must have received both doses in your home country. You also have to meet the minimum wage criteria.
In fact, applicants must earn at least $ 2,000 so that they can pay income tax in Georgia! Unlike the Cayman Islands, where you will be exempt from income tax for your two-year stay. Still, remote workers have to meet the minimum wage criteria and prove an income from foreign sources. For example, single people have to earn at least $ 100,000 per year, and couples must earn at least $ 150,000. Families relocating to Cayman Island with children must earn at least $ 180,000 per year. Don't forget the non-refundable application fee of $ 1,469 per person. To apply for the Dubai one-year remote work visa, count application fees of $ 287 per person. Applicants also have to earn at least $ 5,000 monthly, but the good news is that there is no income tax!
Iceland has chosen to extend its “Work in Iceland” program dedicated to digital nomads. However, certain conditions are quite difficult to meet. For example, applicants who don't need a visa to travel to Iceland must either work for a foreign company or be self-employed. They must also earn at least $ 88,000 per year and have health insurance. However, from May 1, 2021, travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in their home country will be exempt from quarantine and entry restrictions.
But wait! Have you heard of Hawaii's “Movers and Shakas” program? It's a quite simple concept whereby the first 50 applicants for a Hawaii Remote Work Permit receive a free roundtrip ticket to Honolulu! And that's not all! They are also entitled to discounts on housing and on co-working spaces. However, they have to commit to contributing to a local non-profit organisation.
One thing is for sure; remote working has become the new normal in many countries, including the United States. In fact, many American states are looking to attract remote workers with new incentives. Indianapolis, for example, is offering a grant to people to remote workers who agree to relocate there for a year. Remote workers earning $ 100,000 per year would be eligible for a $ 5,000 grant to cover their relocating expenses and taxes. Those earning more than $ 100,000 per year will receive an $ 8,500 check. Several states, such as Ohio, Iowa, Arkansas and Oklahoma, etc., are working on similar programs.
