Digital Nomad Visas to boost tourism, income —Palace

Malacañang on Monday expressed optimism that issuing Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) to non-immigrant foreigners would help boost tourism and generate additional income for the Philippines.

''Definitely, if we will have more tourists, we will definitely have more income and it will definitely also benefit the country and also the Filipino people,'' said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro during a media briefing.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to issue DNVs to non-immigrant foreigners who wish to enter and/or stay temporarily in the Philippines to work remotely using digital technologies.

Executive Order (EO) No. 86 provides that DNVs may be issued to remote workers whose employers or clients are based outside the Philippines. The initiative aims to stimulate the country’s economy and enhance its tourism sector.

Castro said that guidelines for the issuance of DNVs are currently being developed.

Addressing concerns that an influx of digital nomads might drive up real estate prices, Castro assured the public that the government would closely monitor the situation.

''Unlike with the POGOs before, we will be securing... the processes regarding this. There will always be security features to protect our country from any scammers or any violations of the law,'' she said.

Castro also said the government was working to upgrade the country's entry points, including airports, to accommodate the expected increase in foreign arrivals. — DVM, GMA Integrated News