TBM Staff - Mumbai Goa’s Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte, has expressed a desire for the Central government to facilitate a ‘Digital Nomad Visa’ in order to attract foreign digital nomads who wish to work while holidaying in Goa. Khaunte believes that this provision would not only boost the financial profile of the coastal state, which heavily relies on tourism, but also create employment opportunities and open new avenues for homestays.
The Goa government had previously floated a tender worth Rs 11 crore to establish co-working spaces in popular beach villages such as Benaulim in South Goa and Morjim and Ashwem in North Goa. These “sea hubs” would provide working professionals, particularly those in creative and tech fields, with the opportunity to work while enjoying leisure activities along Goa’s coast.
Khaunte highlighted that several countries, approximately 46, already offer Digital Nomad Visas. He emphasized that Goa’s quality of life and creative spaces have attracted domestic tourists, and attracting digital nomads for long stays could further enhance the state’s ‘Home Stay’ programme.
By pursuing digital nomads, Goa aims to expand its potential as a global destination for combining work and leisure, catering to the growing trend of remote work and location-independent professionals. The state has requested the support of the Union External Affairs Ministry in facilitating the digital nomad visa.
