VISA FREE STATUS OF MALAYSIA WITH UK

Malaysia has retained its visa-free status with Britain. This means that Malaysians can visit and remain in Britain without a visa for up to six months. The decision was announced in the House of Commons by British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. British High Commissioner Boyd McCleary briefed Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim on his government’s decision. Malaysia was in a group of 11 non-European countries whose visa-exempt status was reviewed by Britain from mid-2008. Nationals from these countries were said to pose a risk of illegal immigration, crime and security, and all 11 countries were given a six-month mitigation period to significantly reduce the risks. Britain had given Malaysia until December to prevent illegal immigration and improve passport security, crime and anti-terrorism measures and cooperate in deporting Malaysians who overstayed. Among the remedial measures taken by Malaysia was improved security at the KL International Airport to ensure that only genuine travellers flew into Britain, a move which was welcomed by the UK Border Agency, a shadow agency of the British Home Office.