With the recent Covid-19 global crisis, mass lockdowns have been implemented to save lives, resulting in many companies and businesses exploring remote working options. This has led to some companies finding success that equals traditional operation methods but at much lower costs. However, the majority of businesses are still catching up to these practices. Some countries are realising the potential of attracting highly skilled employees who can work remotely and need a change of location. Here are some countries that can benefit from remote working to help their economy.
Estonia
After years of development, Estonia released and announced its digital nomad program. Estonia is the perfect country to allow for this technology and program to function, as it is one of the most digital-friendly countries in the world. A digital nomad visa provides legal residency to digital nomads to live and work remotely in Estonia for up to one year. Digital nomads are people that travel around the world as tourists but are also technically working at the same time, and doing so with remote technologies. Because people work from their laptops, and because their clientele is located in countries that these nomads are traveling in, they are not qualified for either work permits or residency. Estonia, being a leader that has permitted this type of lifestyle is paving the way for more flexible working conditions and lifestyles.
Australia
Australia is a first-world country with all the necessary infrastructure and facilities to benefit from remote working. Being a tourist hotspot, it allows people to work in idealistic settings and relaxing environments. This alone would help boost the attraction for people to travel and spend time in Australia, as they can take up residence and work within the country while spending their leisure time enjoying their surroundings and ultimately putting money into the country. The fact that Australia has not taken advantage of these options means they are missing out on certain economical and financial benefits. Australians are some of the most underinsured in the first world, despite many options as you can see here, so this may also be a factor as to why the government is opposed to taking risks involved with implementing remote working for Non-Citizens.
Dubai
Following in the path of Estonia, Dubai has recently announced that their visas will allow for one year of remote work. There are many amazing aspects of the program. As long as you are earning at least $5000 a month, you will be allowed to apply for the program. You are eligible for medical insurance as well as a valid passport. You can also open up accounts with local banks, get all your necessities such as schooling for children for those that have a family. Additionally, Dubai doesn't charge an income tax for this program. This is huge for people that are traveling or working in sectors that have non-traditional settings and allow for travel and freedom with their jobs. This entices more people to visit the country, bringing more money into the economy and boosting it through tourism for that year. There are fees to keep in mind, so be sure to do the essential research for the application and eligibility process.
Kenya
Kenya has slowly improved and developed its technology to keep up with many other countries. This is significant, as it becomes essential not only for the residents and citizens, but to bring others to the country. This ultimately boosts tourism, which is essential to every growing economy. But just as much as this is beneficial to outsiders of the country, this opportunity to work remotely also provides working opportunities for those coming out of university to be able to explore other job opportunities that are available worldwide, and not be restricted to the local economy.
Indonesia
Another country that is always growing and at the forefront when it comes to technology, Indonesia boasts some of the highest rates when it comes to phone usage amongst young adults. With such connectivity, the ability to work remotely will allow Indonesia to expand into many different sectors, and utilize their skills to start and create their businesses. The growing demand to move away from traditional means of work provides many youths more opportunities than they once had, and allows them to have more paths to success. That includes islands such as Bali too.
Brazil
South American can sometimes be left behind when it comes to technology and industry growth. Brazil is a country that is on the right path when it comes to transforming itself to become more prevalent in different industry sectors, such as retail, manufacturing, and digital services. Remote working pairs with growth in technology sectors to provide more jobs and opportunities in industries that individuals would otherwise not have. These opportunities connect professionals and allow them to work with those that can help them grow their own businesses, as well as provide access to technology and services that would otherwise be difficult to come by.
Canada And The US
These North American countries have been hit significantly by the Covid-19 pandemic. This has seen a dramatic increase of unemployment. Being first-world countries, they have the means in terms of technology to easily adjust to working remotely. Many companies have already subscribed to this idea, and are considering making it a more permanent solution moving forward, as the benefits of working from home translate from company to employee. Many people feel the benefit of spending more time at home with family as opposed to commuting or stuck in traffic. And businesses see lower operational costs. First-world nations such as Canada and the United States would benefit for the long term as well as the short term to allow more remote working.
There are many benefits to transition to remote working. For many businesses in many countries, they were forced to adapt and change with different circumstances. However, as economies begin to rebound from a pandemic, companies should reassess their needs and heavily consider remote working for their opportunities for success and growth in the future.
