The Government of Malaysia has announced several new immigration rules, under its Visa Liberalisation Plan. The plan, implemented on 1 December 2023, includes efforts to improve existing immigration facilities as detailed below:
1. Visa Exemption to Citizens of China and India.
Visa exemption for a period of stay on a Social Visit Pass for up to 30 days only, effective from 1 December 2023 until 31 December 2024.
2. Graduate program
a. Applicable to international students from 23 countries* who have completed their Bachelor’s degree or higher at any Institution of Higher Education in Malaysia.
b. Upon approval, the applicant will be issued with a long term Social Visit Pass with a validity period of 12 months with Multiple Entry Visa.
c. Dependents of the principal applicant are eligible for a Social Visit Pass for the same period.
3. Umrah Transit Visa
a. Umrah pilgrims (from countries which require a visa to enter Malaysia) who wish to travel to Malaysia prior to or after Umrah may apply for this facility.
b. Upon approval, a Social Visit Pass with a period of stay for seven (7) days will be issued.
4. Improvement on the validity period of visas and eligibility period (length of stay) for Social Visit Passes.
a. Visa validity period is extended from three (3) months to six (6) months for countries which require a visa to enter Malaysia.
b. Social Visit Pass eligibility period for 22 countries* requiring a visa will be extended, allowing a period of stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days.
5. Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) facility
MEV validity period is extended from three (3) months to six (6) months for citizens from countries which require an MEV to enter Malaysia.
* Further details on the plan can be obtained from the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s:
a. official portal : https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/pengumuman/visaliberalisation-plan/
b. Facebook (FAQs): https://bit.ly/facebook-MY-Visa-Liberalisation-Plan
For enquiries, please visit their Online Enquiry System (SPO) at https://eapp.imi.gov.my