By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): In a proactive move to bolster the tourism sector and attract a new wave of remote workers, the Cabinet of Ministers has given its seal of approval to a range of visa programs, including a novel offering known as the “Digital Nomad Visa” (DNV).
Under the Digital Nomad Visa program, applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $ 2,000, which must be channelled through the Sri Lankan banking system. This visa is renewable annually, subject to certification of the requisite funds.
The application fee for the DNV is set at $ 500, and it encompasses the visa holder’s spouse and dependents.
This initiative comes in response to a noticeable shift in people’s attitudes towards online business and the newfound ability to work remotely, anywhere with an internet connection.
Several factors have driven this change, including technological advancements, the flexibility of work-life balance, global connectivity, and evolving work cultures.
The breakthrough move was proposed by and secured Cabinet approval by Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.
Sources said notably, many countries in the region and beyond have introduced DNV to attract a distinct type of tourism.
For instance, Germany offers a freelance visa tailored for self-employed individuals. Malaysia has its “DE Rantau Nomad Pass,” which also mandates a monthly income of $ 2,000.
New Zealand refers to its visa as a “Working Holiday Visa,” requiring proof of $ 2,700 in funds.
Sri Lanka is planning to simplify the country’s visa issuance methodology to make it easier for tourists and businesses to visit the country.
The Cabinet of Ministers this week approved a proposal furnished by the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles to further simplify visa methodologies implemented at present.
According to the Immigration and Emigration Act No. 20 of 1948 and the regulations issued under that, the Department of Immigration and Emigration issues three categories of visa, namely visit visa, resident visa and transit visa.
The Cabinet Office noted that considering the complexity in the visa issued under visit visa and resident visa categories, measures have been taken to review Sri Lanka’s visa methodology with visa methodologies of countries that attract more tourists.
The current visa system in Sri Lanka is complex and outdated. It has been criticised by businesses and tourists alike, who say that it is too difficult to navigate and that it takes too long to get a visa.
Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa spans two years and necessitates a monthly income of $ 3,140. Portugal’s version is initially valid for one year and can be extended up to four years, with a monthly income requirement of $ 2,950. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa calls for a monthly income of $ 2,215.
