Review visa conditions for the MM2H programme

WITH reference to “MM2H programme needs improvement, says Sultan Ibrahim” (The Star, July 6; online at bit.ly/star_improve), I would like to share my views on the Malaysia My Second Home programme.

(The MM2H visa programme encourages foreigners from all over the world who fulfil specific criteria to live in Malaysia, giving them a long-term social visit pass that previously allowed holders multiple entries for 10 years; it can be renewed for as long as all requirements are met.)

The requirements were changed in 2021, with 10 new conditions added that many argued against, including members of Parliament, a few ministers, Malaysian citizens, and existing MM2H visa holders. The new conditions are simply not encouraging new applications in the same numbers as before.

To increase numbers, I suggest the government revert to the former conditions and include three new ones: a five-year visa instead of 10; increase the visa fee from RM90 to RM500 a year; require proof of stay in Malaysia for 183 days a year. The last item is especially important and justified, as the programme is called “Home”, not “Holiday” or “Emergency Escape” from a political situation.

The 183 days will bring more foreign currency into Malaysia as MM2H pass holders spend on living expenses, properties, cars, education, health, etc.

With 53,356 pass holders in the country in August 2022 (according to then Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin), this will amount to more than a billion in a year.

While I would include the new shorter visa validity period, I still don’t understand why it had to be shortened – a shorter period would limit interest in buying fixed assets like property and cars, and in investing in education and health. The shorter period would only benefit MM2H agents as they would get double the fee if a pass holder wants to renew for 10 years.

Thank you to Johor Ruler, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, for raising the issue again, and we can only hope for a quick, realistic and acceptable decision by current Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King in reviewing MM2H visa conditions.

KARSTEN WILLERUP

Tanjung Bungah

Penang