Commencement of Visa-Free Travel for Indians to Malaysia from December 1: In a significant policy shift, the Malaysian government, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has announced the removal of entry visa requirements for Chinese and Indian citizens. Commencing from December 1, Indian citizens visiting Malaysia will no longer need entry visas, and they can stay in the country for up to 30 days without the necessity of obtaining a visa. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Ibrahim during his speech at the annual congress of the People’s Justice Party in Putrajaya.
Visa Elimination:
Starting December 1, Indian citizens will no longer require entry visas to visit Malaysia.
Visa-Free Stay:
Indians can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 30 days in Malaysia.
Security Screening:
While visa requirements have been lifted, security screening measures will still apply to Indian nationals visiting Malaysia.
Reasons Behind the Policy Change:
Prime Minister Ibrahim had previously outlined plans to enhance visa facilities to attract more tourists and investors, particularly from India and China. Both countries are vital markets for Malaysia, ranking as the fourth and fifth-largest sources of tourist arrivals, respectively. In the first half of the current year, Malaysia welcomed a total of 9.16 million tourists, with India contributing significantly with 283,885 arrivals during the same period.
The Malaysian government aims to simplify the entry process to encourage more tourists, hoping this will boost spending within the country and contribute to Malaysia’s economic development.
International Trend:
Malaysia becomes the fourth country, following Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand, to announce visa-free entry for tourists. Thailand removed the visa requirement for Indians from November 10, offering a generous 30-day stay until May 10 of the following year, with the possibility of an extension based on demand. Sri Lanka adopted a visa-free entry initiative in October for visitors from seven countries, including India and China, effective immediately and extending until March 31, 2024.
In conclusion, Malaysia’s decision to remove visa requirements for Chinese and Indian citizens aligns with a broader regional trend aiming to boost tourism and economic activity. The move reflects the government’s commitment to fostering international relationships and promoting Malaysia as an attractive destination for visitors from key markets.