Malaysia to issue multiple entry visas for Indians

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has decided to issue multiple-entry visas to Indian and Chinese tourists allowing them to visit the country as many times they wish in one year.

Currently, Kuala Lumpur issues only single-entry visas with a three-week validity to tourists, which makes it difficult for them to visit neighbouring Singapore and Thailand as they cannot re-enter Malaysia again.

Home Affairs Minister Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said one-year multiple entry visas would also be issued to Indian and Chinese tourists and this would enable them to leave and return as often as they wish for one year.

However, the tourists can remain in the country for only one month at a time.

The new visa arrangement, Radzi added, would be a boost to the 'Visit Malaysia Year 2007' tourism campaign.

The minister said his government was planning to request countries benefiting from the move to reciprocate and give Malaysian tourists the same privilege.

The Home Ministry would also introduce a tracking system to enable the Immigration Department to identify those who abuse their visas and overstay.

The tracking system will also be extended to foreigners on working and student visas. Radzi said that the system would enable the department to check the college attendance of those holding student visas.