Details Of New Permit Ruto Has Introduced For Remote Workers

This work permit will allow the professionals to conduct their activities remotely in any part of Kenya as well as spare time to enjoy the tourist attractions and lifestyle that the East African country has to offer.

Details Of New Permit Ruto Has Introduced For Remote Workers
Image of a remote worker and President William Ruto (inset). /BUSINESS DAILY.PCS

President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 2 announced the introduction of the Digital Nomad Work Permit that is set to put a smile on the face of global digital professionals working anywhere on Earth, including in Kenya.

Speaking during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, the Head of State revealed that this work permit will allow the professionals to conduct their activities remotely in any part of Kenya as well as spare time to enjoy the tourist attractions and lifestyle that the East African country has to offer.

"I am pleased to announce yet another milestone of the introduction of the Digital Nomad Work Permit specifically designed to welcome global digital professionals, allowing them to live and work in Kenya while enjoying the country's natural beauty and high-quality lifestyle.

"Kenya can be your home where you and your family can experience the wonders of Magical Kenya every day all while serving clients from anywhere in the world on your digital platform and it is the reason we are expanding our fibre optic footprint across Kenya so that from any part of Kenya, you can work because you will be connected.

President William Ruto speaking during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on October 2, 2024. /PCS

Digital Nomad Working

According to Investopedia, a digital nomad visa is a document or program that gives someone the legal right to work remotely while residing away from their country of permanent residence.

A digital nomad lives a nomadic lifestyle and uses technology to work remotely from outside their home country.

Although only some countries have visas targeted at digital nomads, many offer visas that are liberal enough to allow nomads to work remotely without becoming residents. 40 regions offer remote working visas, including Anguilla, The Bahamas, Croatia, Spain, Norway, and Colombia, among others.

A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows digital nomads to live and work in a foreign country for longer than a normal tourist visa. They may also offer favourable tax schemes for nomads who stay long enough to need to declare a new country as their tax residence.

Although many digital nomads take advantage of lenient temporary residence visas, only a few countries have debuted visas specifically for digital nomads or remote workers. Other countries simply offer visas that work with the frequent moves that many remote workers prefer. Still, other countries have visas that cater to freelancers or entrepreneurs but aren't open to remote workers employed by a foreign company in a full-time capacity.

Both workers and students can use digital nomad visas, although the costs and requirements may differ. For example, the Work From Bermuda Certificate requires scholars to provide proof of enrollment in an undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, or research program with their application. Remote workers or self-employed applicants aren't required to be enrolled in school.

More Regulations To Woo Travellers To Kenya

Meanwhile, President Ruto blew open a door for transit travellers and in a bid to reshape the country's tourism landscape, announced the introduction of a Transit and Long Connection Travelers Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). 

"We are introducing a Transit and Long Connection Travelers Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which enables transit visitors to step out of the airport and explore the beauty of their home away from home. Travellers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with time between their connections, will now be able to immerse themselves in Magical Kenya instead of waiting at the terminals," he announced.

This policy allows foreign travellers on connecting flights to explore the country without the need for a visa. This decision is part of a broader strategy to attract more visitors and position Kenya as a leading tourist destination in Africa.

President William Ruto exploring an exhibit during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on October 2, 2024. /PCS