9th March 2023 (Day 6) of the Legislative Council 2023,

Session for Ministry of Home Affairs

YB Chong highlights the need to explore a digital nomad visa program to attract remote workers to Brunei. With political stability, safety, low cost of living, natural beauty, and hospitable citizens, Brunei has the potential to become an ideal digital nomad destination in ASEAN. Studies show that digital nomads contribute more than 35% of their income to the local economy and can have a positive impact on Brunei's economy, innovation, tourism, workforce development, and social and cultural exchange. The implementation of this program could help stimulate the economy and create more opportunities for Bruneians.

Responses

Ministry of Home Affairs

A visa is permission to enter a country, and a pass is permission to work based on the visa granted. For a digital nomad visa, there must be an employer or sponsor to ensure the welfare of the worker in Brunei. However, in terms of digital development and programming, most programmers work remotely and send their patches to companies in Brunei for implementation. The Minister will look into the suggestion of a digital nomad visa and its feasibility based on immigration laws and regulations.

Minister at The Prime Minister's Office & Ministry of Finance and Economy II

The Minister suggested that it is important to consider whether the required skills for digital nomads are already present within the country and whether withholding tax should be applied to digital nomads as it is similar to hiring a foreign consultant. The Minister also encouraged further discussion and careful consideration on the matter.

Please refer to the hansard at this link for the full transcript.