Caribbean islands offer 'digital nomad' work visa
Islands in the Caribbean Sea are famous for luxury holidays, not for being places of work. However the two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is hoping people will come and live and work there for two years. Its government is offering a two-year work visa for "digital nomads". These are people who can work anywhere in the world via their laptop computer. The nation's new "Nomad Digital Residence Programme" is now available for anyone who wants to work in paradise. To be eligible for the visa (and the sun-drenched beaches), workers must have an income of at least $50,000 per year. They must also show they can look after any family members on the programme for two years.
Antigua and Barbuda joins a list of other nations offering remote workers the chance to experience a different way of life. Countries like Georgia, Barbados, Estonia and Bermuda have all set up similar programmes in the past year. Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister said his country boasted many attractions for workers. He said it has high-speed Internet and a world-class telecommunications system. He said: "This means that you can work in any part of the world from Antigua as if you were in your office or home." He also said his country has quality accommodation, fantastic restaurants, 365 beaches, historic sites, beautiful scenery, gyms, water sports, fishing and deep sea diving.