Indonesia is trying to attract more so-called “digital nomads” to its territory by offering more flexible visa schemes, Reuters reported, citing the country’s tourism minister.
In recent years, some Asian vacation spots have seen an influx of digital nomads or long-term visitors from abroad who combine vacations with remote work.
Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno wrote on Instagram that digital nomads can now visit Indonesia and work there for up to six months on a socio-cultural visa.
“I am increasingly convinced that the number of foreign tourists who would like to stay in Indonesia will increase and this will automatically affect the economic recovery,” he wrote.
The visa category in question previously did not allow working within the country, and Indonesia has yet to decide how it might tax digital nomads. However, the Bali Tourism Board welcomed the plan.
“I suggest that the government develop clear rules for this. For example, travelers must pay a certain amount of tax to the Indonesian government if they operate from Bali,” said board chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana.
Indonesia’s immigration department declined to comment on the matter to Reuters.
Foreign tourists to Bali are expected to reach 6 million by 2025, the tourism association said, as the island recovers from the effects of Covid.
Figures from the Ministry of Tourism show that more than 3,000 digital nomads arrived in Indonesia from January to August this year. Visitors are mainly from Russia, Great Britain, and Germany, most of them stay in Bali. President Joko Widodo recently chided immigration officials for the difficulties foreigners, including investors and tourists, face in obtaining visas.
Other countries in the region are also looking to take advantage of remote work opportunities. The Philippines is offering “working” packages in the Boracay resort, while Malaysia this week introduced rules allowing digital nomads to stay in the country for 1 year.