Malaysia's PM announces visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens

In a bid to rejuvenate its tourism sector, Malaysia is set to implement a visa-free entry policy for citizens of China and India, starting from December 1. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed this significant move during a speech at the People's Justice Party congress on Sunday. However, the specific duration of the visa exemption was not outlined in the announcement.

China and India hold pivotal positions as the fourth and fifth-largest source markets for tourism in Malaysia. 

According to government data, Malaysia experienced a decline in tourist arrivals during the first half of the year, recording 9.16 million arrivals from January to June. Notably, 498,540 visitors were from China, and 283,885 were from India. This contrasts with the figures from 2019, where 1.5 million Chinese and 354,486 Indian nationals visited Malaysia during the same period before the pandemic disrupted global travel.

The decision mirrors similar measures taken by neighboring Thailand to stimulate its tourism sector and boost economic activity. Thailand also implemented visa exemptions for Chinese and Indian nationals this year, aligning with a regional trend to attract international visitors.

Currently, citizens of China and India must apply for visas to enter Malaysia.