The Philippines is rolling out a visa scheme for digital nomads to boost tourism and attract foreign income – but analysts warn it could be exploited by those linked to the now-banned offshore gaming sector.
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On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr signed Executive Order 86, which approves the issuance of digital nomad visas.
The visas, he said, reflected “a need to establish a legal framework to facilitate the entry of digital nomads in the country, or foreign nationals who desire to temporarily stay in the Philippines while engaging in remote work activities for overseas employers or clients”.
They were in line with government efforts to promote tourism, economic activity and digital innovation, the president added.
Under the new scheme, visa holders may stay in the Philippines for up to one year – renewable for another year – and will be allowed multiple entries.
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Applicants, who must be at least 18 years old and come from a country with a Philippine foreign service post, have to show proof of remote work, sufficient income earned abroad, and valid health insurance.