Good news, travellers! New Zealand has decided to relax its visa rules. They will now allow foreign holidaymakers to work remotely while visiting the country. This move is part of New Zealand’s efforts to boost the tourism sector and revive its economy. Scroll on to know more about this new visa policy.
New Zealand To Introduce Looser Visa Rules To Welcome Remote Workers
On January 27, New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced that New Zealand’s visitor visa will now allow people to work while travelling in the country. According to NDTV, the country is eyeing highly skilled people, especially IT workers from Southeast Asia and the US, to work remotely from New Zealand.
As per reports, the country’s economy sank into a technical recession in the third quarter of 2024. Now, the government is looking for ways to boost growth and revive its economy. Reportedly, the tourism sector of New Zealand has not fully recovered from the closure of borders during the COVID-19 pandemic. They saw only 86% of international visitors, as compared to 2019 levels, in 2024. Now, with their looser visa rules, New Zealand hopes that foreign tourists will spend more time in the country and help boost its tourism sector and economy.
All About The New Visa Rules
New Zealand’s new visa rules are effective with immediate effect. Here are some important things to keep in mind regarding these new visa rule changes –
1. These new regulations will cover all visitor visas, including those for tourists, family vacations, and partners or guardians on longer-term visas
2. Tourists cannot work for a New Zealand employer. They can also not provide goods or services locally, or engage in work requiring physical presence in a workplace within New Zealand.
3. People working remotely for more than 92 days within a 12-month period can have potential tax obligations.
Also Read: Children Of H-1B Visa Holders Born In US No Longer Eligible For Citizenship As Per New Order
So, are you excited to visit and work while holidaying in New Zealand? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)