The government announced on Monday that foreign visitors to New Zealand can now work remotely during their stay.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the change, which took effect immediately, is part of a plan to stimulate the economy. By making the country more attractive to ‘digital nomads’—people who work remotely while they travel—New Zealand’s appeal as a destination should increase.
Tourism is vital to New Zealand’s economy. According to the government, the sector is worth almost 11 billion dollars and supports nearly 200,000 jobs. However, tourism in New Zealand has still not recovered from the coronavirus pandemic. According to the latest figures, the number of international visitors is currently at around 86 percent of the level of 2019, the last year before the virus outbreak.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford added that the adjustment, which allows remote work on any visitor visa, reflects the reality of the modern, flexible working environment. “This is a whole new market of tourists that New Zealand can tap into.”
She also expects travellers to want to stay longer in New Zealand, “leading to more spending in the country.” Visitors will still need to apply for a work visa other than remote work.