Employee rights if working remotely in Bali: 980 CKNW

Interview Summary

In order to entice more remote workers, Indonesia is implementing a digital nomad visa that will allow employees working remotely to live in Bali and be exempt from taxes. What are the advantages for employees working in this arrangement? Are there potential employment law red flags with this option?

A Vancouver employment lawyer and Associate at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins Jas Johal on 980 CKNW to answer this question and more on employee rights.

Interview Notes

• Potential employment law red flags with Bali’s nomad visa: It is important for employees in this arrangement to speak to their accountant and consider legal advice about their taxes. Employees must communicate with their employer if they have chosen to remote work in a different geographic area as there can be terms outlined in employment contracts.
• Demands from employers on employees working remotely: As more time passes, there does seem to be an indication that there will be more disputes between employers and employees regarding a return to the physical workplace. Many companies currently still seem to be determining the work arrangement that best works for them, and whether or not a hybrid or remote work model is more efficient.
• Legal challenges with forcing employees to return to the office: In Canada, it will depend on whether or not employees working in their specific location have become a new term of employment. Employers cannot implement a major change to the terms of employment without an employee’s consent.