Visitors from the Middle East, China and India to get 30 days visa-free travel from Dec 1 - The Star Online

PUTRAJAYA: Visitors from certain Middle Eastern countries will be given 30 days visa-free travel from Dec 1, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The countries are Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Iran as well as Turkiye and Jordan.

“Next year, Malaysia will be celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties with China,” he said

"In addition to the Arab countries, Turkiye and Jordan the visa exemption will be expanded to China and India," he said at the PKR congress on Sunday (Nov 26).

However, this will be subject to security clearance.

"Those (from these countries) with criminal records and risk of violence will not be given such travel," he said.

Anwar said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail would announce the details on the visa exemption soon.

On Nov 24, the Chinese Embassy announced that the 15-day visa-free policy for Malaysians would be in effect for a year from Dec 1, 2023 to Nov 30, 2024.

Anwar also thanked the Chinese government for the move.

Anwar would also be meeting Srettha Thavisin on Monday (Nov 27).

“Tomorrow (Nov 27) I will be heading to the border of Sadao (Thailand) and Bukit Kayu Hitam with the Thai Prime Minister.

"We have taken this approach to ensure the two way travel is good, efficient and will encourage more two way travel (between Thailand and Malaysia)," he said.

He said this would also spur development in Southern Thailand and northern Peninsula Malaysia.

Besides that, it would also ensure peace in Southern Thailand.

"I will continue discussion with him. These bilateral ties will directly benefit Malaysia and Thailand," he said.

He said the necessary measures would be taken to spur tourism including upgrading transport infrastructure at airports.

As for Singapore, Anwar said the ties between the two neighbours were stronger now, adding that there must be political will to resolve any issued to ensure win-win solutions for both countries.

He said the special economic zone in Johor would also ensure stronger cooperation with Singapore.

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