Hawaii is looking for remote workers to help overcome the paradise pandemic

Understandably, we tend to focus on and obsess over all of the depressing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there have been many positive developments. The virus outbreak has forced us to reconsider and rethink what things can be like after the crisis subsided.

The work-from-home movement is one of the positive benefits. The opportunity to save a few hours of commuting, to be able to spend more time with the family and not let the boss look over his shoulder was a godsend for many people.

We’re starting to see a development expanding out of the homework trend. Another new and fascinating development is emerging – remote work as a digital wanderlust nomad in cool, beautiful places like Hawaii or abroad.

Hawaii’s economy suffered from a lack of tourism – a major source of income – and the shutdown or shutdown of many businesses. In an effort to turn things around, state officials keen to revive the lackluster economy launched a program to bring remote workers into the state.

With a clever timing, as winter is fast approaching and many states are faced with many long months with shortened days, cool weather, snowstorms and dark, gloomy nights, Hawaii launched the “Mover & Shakas” program, which started a campaign that gets people to come to the island and set up remote offices.

Riots, looting, chaos, indiscriminate violence and forest fires have raged in several American cities over the past six months. Hawaii positions itself as an antidote. The state offers beautiful scenery, low crime rates, security and a currently relatively low rate of Covid-19 cases. It is touted to overcome the pandemic in paradise.

The program will offer “free round-trip air tickets to Honolulu” to the first 50 applicants starting Sunday. All the program requires is that the emigrant “promise to respect Hawaii’s culture and natural resources, and participants must devote hours a week to helping a local nonprofit”.

Hawaii is not alone with its program. The work-anywhere-in-the-world or as a digital nomadic movement has grown rapidly. This trend is towards the white-collar workers, especially those with financial resources. We have seen Wall Street bankers, hedge fund managers, tech titans and others flee from big cities like New York to the Hamptons, Palm Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, the suburbs of Connecticut and New Jersey, or to “quiet cubicles” See “flee and beautiful island villas as their employers extend teleworking periods through 2020 and beyond.”

Leaving the US during the pandemic is not that easy as many countries do not currently accept American passports. According to CNBC, “the opportunities to work remotely from anywhere in the world are currently limited.” Due to the number of cases and mandatory quarantines, “a US passport in many European and other international destinations has proven to be of a long-term benefit developed with a handicap ”.

However, there are countries that encourage Americans to migrate there with special visas and open arms. As tourism is declining due to Covid-19 and the economy is suffering, some countries need and desire newcomers. Barbados, Estonia, Bermuda, and Georgia have all opened their doors to Americans, inviting them to come, work, pay taxes, and contribute to the economy.

In an open letter from Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, she strongly encouraged people to emigrate to her country. “On behalf of our beautiful island of Barbados, I warmly welcome you.” Mottley added, “Although the Covid-19 pandemic has been a tremendous challenge for people around the world, we believe it has also opened up opportunities.” Prime Minister announced the country’s new 12 month Barbados welcome stamp, a visa that allows you to move and work from one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations.

“We believe that we have something very special to offer on this little rock that we call Barbados. Our friendly people, professional services, our commitment to education and, above all, safety make Barbados an ideal place to live for both singles and families. “

For those Americans who fear four months of cold, icy, snowy weather along with dreary gray days and long pitch black nights, working and living in Hawaii or Barbados seems ideal and wonderful.