Namibia took the southern African tourism industry by surprise with its fast implementation of a remote working visa policy aimed at attracting the growing, high-income digital nomad market. The visa allows foreign nationals who work remotely for a company located abroad (and who earn at least US$2 000 per month) to apply for a six-month stay in the country.

Tourism stakeholders are confident that the country is the ideal destination for remote workers, despite its humble status on the world tourism stage.  

“Namibia offers the perfect infrastructure, in that we have a good telecommunication network and accommodation of all types in abundance, especially in the first half of the year, which is traditionally our low season for tourism,” said Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia. 

“This is also the time that people may want to choose to migrate into warmer weather zones, to escape the northern winters and grey moods, as well as to avoid the high energy prices that face them there at the moment.”

Paetzold said that despite the initial positive reaction, the association, which represents 400 members across the country, has appealed to authorities to tweak the criteria for the visa. 

“Those most likely to make use of this opportunity would be independent consultants who have secure income through project contracts but may not have proof of monthly salary income, one of the criteria that is outlined in the visa application. So currently there is an effort to amend the parameters to make it fit,” said Paetzold, adding that more work needed to be done to market and promote the visa. 

Nrupesh Soni, Founder of the Namibia Travel and Tourism Forum, said the visa introduction had been helpful in putting the global spotlight on to Namibia. 

“It has definitely been a talking point across the globe. In 2023 we do see a lot more people looking at staycations and working remotely.”