Digital nomads – a new generation of remote workers who travel the world with laptops – have found refuge in Cape Town, South Africa. While the country's government sees them as a boon to the economy, local citizens do not share the enthusiasm.

Labelled an "epidemic increasing the cost of living," many locals consider these nomads more of a "curse" than a "blessing." Azemalé Dioubéni, a 25-year-old social media content creator, spoke to the BBC about a "digital nomad epidemic," which is driving up the costs of housing, dining, and other basic services in the city.

Dioubéni, a lifelong resident of the beautiful coastal city, noted that since the Covid-19 pandemic, there's been a noticeable increase in digital nomads, primarily from the West. Although there are no official figures to track their numbers, she is not alone in observing this change. The BBC report mentions a widespread perception among locals that digital nomads are ubiquitous.

"When I enter a café, I hear German, French, Dutch, and American English," she told the BBC, expressing a desire to curb the influx of digital nomads who typically have higher incomes than locals and find it easier to rent accommodations.

Thanks to its natural beauty, ocean, and wonderful summer climate, the city is a major attraction. In a TikTok video, Marley Rose Harris, describing herself as a "digital entrepreneur," calls the city "the most magical place in the world."

Under the current framework, many of these young visitors can stay and work in the city for foreign companies for up to 90 days, though the exact duration varies depending on nationality.

"Cape Town is an ideal destination for digital nomads trying to blend aspects of tourism and work in their daily activities," Alderman James of the city's economic development committee told the BBC. He added that research reveals these working visitors spend about $2,700 each during their stay in the city.

The national government has even announced a proposal for a visa allowing digital nomads to stay for over three months, though details of the proposal have yet to be presented.