After Sri Lanka and Thailand, Malaysia has officially scrapped entry visa
requirements for citizens of India and China, effective from December 1,
according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
This action allows Indian and Chinese nationals to stay visa-free for up
to 30 days, as highlighted in PM Anwar’s speech during the People’s Justice
Party’s annual congress. Nonetheless, the issuance of visas will be contingent
upon security screening.
In pursuit of increased tourist arrivals and subsequent economic growth,
Malaysia becomes the fourth country, following Sri Lanka, and Thailand, to
announce visa-free entry.
Anwar Ibrahim had previously unveiled plans to enhance visa facilities in
the upcoming year, particularly targeting tourists and investors from India and
China.
Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Nguyn Van Jung,
recently advocated for short-term visa waivers for major markets like China and
India to aid the recovery of the country’s tourism sector.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s government initiated a six-month period of
visa-free entry for tourists from India and Taiwan, aiming to accommodate the
preferences of their populations.
Sri Lanka, too, approved a proposal for free visas to travellers from
seven countries, including India and China, with a focus on attracting more
tourists and anticipating a rise to five million tourist arrivals in the coming
years.
Agency
