Multiple-entry visas for Indians visiting Malaysia

Friday, August 18th, 2006

Kuala Lumpur - The Malaysian government has decided to allow Indian nationals to apply for multiple entry visas (MEVs) on condition their stay does not exceed 30 days.

The visas, which will be valid for a year, are being issued as part of the country’s bid to promote its tourism industry, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Seri Najib Tun Razak told Bernama news agency.

The MEV rate has been fixed at Malaysian Ringgit (RM) 50 for Indian tourists.

To facilitate issuance of visa for Indian tourists, the Malaysian government has also decided to set up a consulate in Mumbai soon, says the report.

The MEV offer has also been extended to Chinese visitors.

Tourists from India and China accounted for nearly 10 percent of some 7.19 million visitors to Malaysia between January and May this year.

Najib also said that his government has agreed to lift the freeze on the hiring of foreign caddies for golf courses in the country.

The Malaysian Tourism ministry took the decision following an appeal from tour operators that the six-month freeze had adversely affected the flow of tourists who liked to play golf.

Last week, in the run-up to ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2007′, the Malaysian government announced that tourists from India and 23 other nations could apply for visa on arrival at Malaysia’s international airport from Sep 1.