Sri Lanka cabinet of ministers has cleared a proposal to give visas for up to one year for foreign visitors who can work remotely and stay in the country for long periods.
“Sri Lanka is positioned well to promote the “work from your own tropical paradise’ concept and Sri Lanka Tourism recognizing this is facilitatingthe expansion of the Digital Nomad market as part of its sustainable strategies,” Sri Lanka Tourism said.
“Digital Nomads not being sensitive to seasonal travel is also an added advantage to boost off-season tourism with the benefit of digital content generated by this segment pushing promotions for Sri Lanka Tourism organically.”
After experiencing prolonged lockdowns and travel restrictions, people are embracing the ‘work from anywhere’ concept with the requirements being a picturesque setting, cultural experiences, adventure and good wifi connection”, said Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said.
Availability of high speed internet, long term visas, affordable accommodation, tax exemption for earnings are among requirement to draw such visitors, the statement said.
Several countries in Asia and Europe now offer ‘digital nomad’ visas for remote workers who can prove a foreign income.
Some countries also offer nomad visas to remote free lancer workers abroad to come to the country and stay for a long period. They will therefore spend their income within the country.
Some countries also offer e-residency.
Fast growing East Asian nations generally have a liberal visa regime for foreign nationals and investors with countries like Singapore providing a naturalization track especially for high income earners.
Sri Lanka enacted an extreme nationalist immigration law barring thousands of years of naturalization shortly after independence from British rule making many who were born in the country also stateless, critics say.