All international students except those from UK can go back to campuses on Jan 1

PUTRAJAYA: International students – with the exception of students from the United Kingdom – will be allowed to return to campus from Jan 1,2021, says Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the National Security Council has agreed with a proposal from the Higher Education Ministry for international students to be physically present at campuses for the 2021 session.

"This permission, however, excludes students from the United Kingdom," he said on Tuesday (Dec 22).

The permission encompasses, among others, students who have been accepted into public and private institutes of higher learning and have permanent accommodation here in Malaysia.

The standard operating procedure requiring them to take a Covid-19 swab test and be quarantined on arrival into the country will apply.

Students are to undergo a Covid-19 test three days before leaving for Malaysia and once again upon arrival.

Ismail Sabri said the cost for the screening will be borne by the students.

He also said international students can be accompanied by a guardian, who must follow the same screening and quarantine requirements.

He said a detailed SOP will be announced by the Higher Education Ministry soon.