KUALA LUMPUR: There are strict control measures to prevent potential abuse of the visa-free facility extended to Chinese nationals under the Malaysia-China Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said visitors from there are allowed visa-free entry for a maximum of 30 days per trip, subject to a cumulative limit of 90 days within any 180-day period.
"The provisions under this agreement do not grant continuous 90-day visa-free stays, unlike arrangements extended to certain other countries," he said in a parliamentary written reply to Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong).
Yeo wanted the Home Ministry to state the measures taken to ensure that the 90-day visa exemption for Chinese nationals will not be abused to obtain projects or work in Malaysia, particularly in the construction, renovation and various service industries, among others.
According to Saifuddin Nasution, prior to the agreement coming into effect, Chinese nationals were permitted entry under the Visa Liberalisation Plan from Dec 1, 2023, which allowed visa-free stays of up to 30 days per entry without any cumulative annual limit.
"The policy refinements introduced through the agreement reflect the government’s more cautious approach in balancing traveller facilitation with strengthened border controls," he said.
The government emphasises that this facility applies strictly to social visits and tourism, he added.
"For other purposes, such as employment or paid professional activities, Chinese nationals are required to obtain the appropriate visa and a valid Employment Pass from the Immigration Department," he said.
Through this enforcement framework, he said, the government remains committed to ensuring the continued growth of the national economy and tourism sector while safeguarding security, upholding the rule of law and protecting local labour market interests.
"Malaysian citizens also enjoy reciprocal benefits under the same visa exemption agreement when travelling to China," he added.
The Federal Government, he added, currently grants visa-free entry facilities to citizens of 154 countries for social visits and tourism.
"The permitted duration of stay varies by country, from 14 to 30, 60 or 90 days, with each entry subject to prevailing conditions and the final assessment of Immigration officers at the country’s entry points," he said.
In detail, 26 countries are accorded a 14-day stay, 58 countries 30 days, 38 countries 60 days, and 66 countries up to 90 days, he added.
"The differing durations are determined based on the government’s strategic considerations, including diplomatic relations, economic interests and security risk assessments, which are reviewed periodically," he said.
