New Zealand Eases Visa Rules, Allowing Tourists to Work Remotely.

The government of New Zealand announced on Monday, January 27, that foreign visitors can now work remotely while they are in the nation.

According to Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, the adjustment, which takes effect immediately, is a component of an economic growth strategy.

New Zealand’s appeal as a tourism destination will increase if it attracts more “digital nomads,” or those who work remotely while on the road, according to Willis.

“Tourism was New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, generating revenue of almost 11 billion U.S. dollars and creating nearly 200,000 jobs.”

 The industry had not yet fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic border closures, according to Statistics New Zealand data, with foreign visits at roughly 86% of 2019 levels.

The visa adjustment, according to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, reflects the reality of the contemporary, flexible workplace.
“This is a brand-new market of tourists New Zealand can tap into.
We want people to see our country as the ideal place to visit and work while they do it.”

Stanford advised anyone wishing to work remotely for longer than ninety days to consider the potential tax ramifications. “Many tourists will be able to stay longer thanks to the change, which will increase the amount of money spent in the nation.”