Marcos to issue EO on enforcing nomad visas without tax incentives

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is set to issue an executive order that will enforce nomad visas immediately without tax incentives. 

During the meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism (PSAC-Tourism), the group recommended the issuance of an EO that will implement nomad visas immediately without tax incentives, which can be added once a related bill is passed.

Marcos supported the interim solution and has tasked the Office of the Executive Secretary to draft the EO and select a pilot country for the initiative, according to the PSAC. 

A nomad visa is a permit that allows a person to work remotely in a foreign country.

According to PSAC-Tourism official Lucio Tan III, the issuance of nomad visas will attract long-term foreign visitors.

"We need to issue nomad visas quickly to attract long-stay tourists. Other countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are already benefiting from this approach,'' Tan said in a press release.

The PSAC said House Bill No. 8165 or the proposed Digital Nomad Act is currently being discussed by lawmakers. The Bureau of Immigration has no objection to the issuance of Nomad Visa via Executive regulation through an Executive Order, it added.

According to PSAC, the average cost of living in Southeast Asia is lower than major developed countries, making it attractive for digital nomads.

In the same meeting, it was also pointed out that a key focus on developing the country's tourism industry includes expediting training programs that will equip individuals with the skills needed for immediate employment in tourism-related jobs.

Filinvest Development Corporation President and CEO Joji Gotianun Yap mentioned the existing foundation within the industry: 

"Eighty percent of our tourism workforce holds TESDA certifications. We should build on this by further increasing these certifications, with the private sector identifying the specific skills required,'' Yap said. 

For his part, Commission on Higher Education Chairman Popoy de Vera cited the strategic approach to tourism and hospitality education.

"We have numerous institutions offering four-year degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Management. By allowing top schools to run these programs, we ensure quality and meet current needs. TESDA certifications can now be credited towards these degrees, providing students with a flexible pathway," de Vera said.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News