KUALA LUMPUR: A stricter control measure is being enforced on Chinese nationals to curb any abuse of the visa-free facility under the Malaysia-China Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement, says Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He explained that while Chinese nationals are permitted visa-free entry for up to 30 days per visit, they are subject to a cumulative stay limit of 90 days within any 180-day window.
“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 Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin.
Yeo had asked the ministry to outline the measures taken to ensure the 90-day visa exemption for Chinese nationals would not be abused to obtain projects or work in Malaysia, particularly in the construction, renovation and service industries.
According to Saifuddin, prior to the agreement’s enforcement, 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.
He also said the government’s emphasis is that this facility is meant to apply strictly to social visits and tourism.
“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 added.
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 noted.
The federal government, he added, grants visa-free entry facilities to citizens of 154 countries for social visits and tourism.
“The permitted stay duration varies by nation – 14, 30, 60 or 90 days – with each entry subject to the final assessment of Immigration officers at arrival points,” he said.
Saifuddin said 26 countries are accorded a 14-day stay, 58 countries 30 days, 38 countries 60 days, and 66 countries up to 90 days.
“The different duration is determined based on the government’s strategic considerations, including diplomatic relations, economic interests and security risk assessments, which are reviewed periodically,” he said.
