Would your clients like to work from paradise?

Would your clients like to work from paradise?

The pandemic has demonstrated, irrefutably, that remote working is not only viable from an operational standpoint for many types of jobs, but that it’s an enabler of business continuity in challenging times. And with the 2020 trend for remote working entering an exciting new phase, your clients’ 9-to-5 doesn’t even have to be tethered to their home, or even their home country any longer.

With global tourism experiencing a slump, an increasing number of countries have been looking to stimulate inbound business and attract foreign talent by issuing what are commonly referred to as ‘digital nomad visas’. These typically allow non-residents to work for a year in a convivial locale that lacks the drudgery associated with the daily commute, while affording the amenities of a professional work environment. It’s a win-win for the host country and the remote worker, and it’s also helped by the fact that tech employers such as Twitter are taking a more relaxed position regarding where their employees locate themselves.

Coupled with the growing popularity of flexspace and the ever-expanding global footprint of IWG brands, Regus and Spaces, professionals and their organisations can now have the best of both worlds, as countries scramble to issue remote work permits in locations that were once only thought of as holiday destinations.

 

Caribbean dreams

Do your clients fancy snorkelling with stingrays in the clear waters of the Caribbean before heading into the office? Flexspace centres in Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico could make it feasible. But what really clinches it is the proliferation of legal frameworks that make it possible. Barbados, for example, launched a Welcome Stamp initiative in June, which offers employees of companies registered and operating outside of Barbados the opportunity to work for 12 months. Applicants must provide evidence of having a US$50,000 a year salary.

Another recent addition to the Caribbean catalogue of idyllic remote work destinations is the Cayman Islands, which has just launched a Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP) initiative.

“Businesses are embracing the flexibility of a digital existence, with many employees seeking a change of scenery and lifestyle,” says Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, Moses Kirkconnell. “Remote workers can now spend up to two years living and working in the Cayman Islands – reinvigorating their 9-to-5 schedules with ‘Caymankindness’ and elevating their work-life balance with sun, sand, sea and safety.”

To apply, applicants must provide evidence of employment with an entity outside of the Cayman Islands stating position and annual salary. (Minimum salary requirements are US$100,000 for individual applicants or US$150,000 for two-person households.)

 

Middle Eastern promise

If the Arabian Gulf is more appealing, Dubai has launched a remote work programme that offers the opportunity to work within a city that’s a magnet for tech investors. The city brims with world-class hotels, restaurants, theme parks, beaches and shopping malls.

For those seeking a safe and hygienic environment, remote workers have the assurance that Dubai was awarded a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which recognises the emirate’s work in preventing the spread of Covid-19. Dubai has also introduced the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp to certify establishments that have implemented all essential health protocols.

Regus opened its 21st UAE business centre in February 2020 in Dubai Boulevard Tower, to support the emirate’s flourishing business environment. Kory Thompson, Country Head, Middle East, at IWG, said: “The UAE is looking forward to a new decade of growth and development. Flexible working will prove to be invaluable and will provide businesses with the opportunity to easily increase productivity and attract top talent.”

 

Gorgeous Georgia

Another increasingly popular option for remote working is Georgia, lying on the crest of the Greater Caucasus Mountains at the juncture of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. The ‘Remotely from Georgia’ programme encourages foreign citizens to run their businesses remotely and ‘enjoy its Covid-19-free, safe environment’. Applicants must prove they have the financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia and should have a minimum monthly salary of $2,000.

Georgia's Economy Minister Natia Turnava announced that ‘Remotely from Georgia’ is designed for “freelancers, full-time employees or business owners who are able to stay in Georgia for at least 360 days”.

“Georgia has the image of an epidemiologically safe country in the world and we want to use this opportunity,” says Turnava. “We are talking about opening the border in a way to protect the health of our citizens, but, on the other hand, to bring to Georgia citizens of all countries who can work remotely.”

IWG remote working facilities in the Georgian capital can be found at Regus Tabidze 1, a newly renovated A Class building in Freedom Square, renowned for its business institutions, hotels, cafés, restaurants and shops. It’s set within the backdrop of Tbilisi’s historical, exotic and sophisticated architecture, which is something for your clients to think about when they’re choosing a background for their next video call.

 

Find out how IWG is helping thousands of agents across the world find the right office space for their clients

 


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