Manila: Senator Joel Villanueva has introduced a bill in the Senate aimed at establishing a visa for digital nomads, individuals who travel while working remotely utilizing digital technologies, as a strategy to enhance tourism.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senate Bill 2991 proposes a new visa category for digital nomads, with an initial validity of one year, extendable for an additional year. Villanueva emphasized the objective of the bill is to permit visitors to reside in the country for an extended duration while being employed by a foreign-based company.

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Nomad List has positioned the Philippines as the 7th fastest-growing hub for remote work in 2023. Previously, the Department of Tourism reported a 9.15 percent rise in foreign visitors in 2024, totaling 5.95 million, which contributed to a record-high PHP760.5 billion in tourism revenues.

Villanueva highlighted the Philippines’ appeal to remote workers, citing the country’s diverse landscapes, from beaches and mountains to urban centers. The proposed legislation requires applicants to show proof of sufficient income earned abroad, possess valid health insurance for the visa duration, and have no criminal record, among other stipulations.

Currently, over 50 countries offer similar visas, and Villanueva is optimistic that the Philippines can attract more digital nomads with such a visa in place. He noted that digital nomads can economically benefit the country by spending money locally, and although they are prohibited from taking local jobs, they can impart valuable knowledge and practices to local communities.