Barbados is inviting people to go and work remotely on the island for a year

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By VT

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Now that we're in the middle of a global pandemic, it's more tempting than ever to take a step back from civilization and the norm of your day-to-day life (well, what's left of it).

And it turns out that there's an opportunity that could allow you to do just that, as Barbados is inviting people to come and work remotely on the island for a year.

The Caribbean island is looking for remote workers to boost its economy as part of its new "Barbados Welcome Stamp" scheme.

These penguins also got a welcome change of scene during the pandemic: 

The scheme is allowing visitors to come to the picturesque island and work remotely during a 12-month period, where they will be free to come and go as they please.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley proposed the scheme because of the devastating effect that the coronavirus pandemic has had on Barbados' economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism.

A beach in Barbados.
Credit: 1304

According to the Barbados Government Information Service website, Mottley said: "You don't need to work in Europe, or the US or Latin America if you can come here and work for a couple [of] months at a time; go back and come back.

"The government is committed to working with you on the promotion of new concepts like the 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp, being able to open our borders to persons traveling and making it as hospitable as ever for all of us, and making it available for Barbadians from every walk of life to believe that for special occasions, or just for so, that they can come out and be a part of this wonderful exercise."

A baby turtle in Barbados.
Credit: 2312

However, if, like me, you're working from home for the foreseeable future and like the idea of doing so with golden sand between your toes, it's worth noting that the scheme hasn't been finalized yet, and Mottley didn't say when she expected it to be operational.

Barbados will be open to international visitors from July 12, but visitors will have to wear a facemask and provide a negative Covid-19 test result, per Travel and Leisure.