Narayan AmmachchiMore than 2,000 digital nomad workers seem to have relocated to Barbados under the Caribbean country’s ‘Welcome Stamp’ program.
As of December 31st 2021, around 2,163 applications were approved out of 3,257 received, according to a statement from the government.
Most of the digital nomads seeking to relocate to the island are from countries such as the United States, India, Britain, Canada, and Nigeria.
Not all of them are IT professionals; some of them are working in fields such as finance, marketing, law, and logistics.
In July 2020, the Caribbean country introduced the “Welcome Stamp,” a visa that allows foreign individuals to work remotely on the island for up to 12 months. Exactly a year later, the government amended the country’s employment laws to allow the digital nomads to extend their visas.
“The Welcome Stamp program seeks to assist in diversifying the Island’s tourism product, attract a new type of visitors, and generate foreign exchange,” says the government.
Many countries across the region have launched digital nomad programs of their own, but they are less likely to become as successful as Barbados, say analysts.
Unlike many other Caribbean countries, Barbados is relatively safe for foreigners because of its low crime rate. The island is not particularly prone to hurricanes, either.
The last time it was hit by one was in 1955. Its internet infrastructure is also strong enough to power remote workers.
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