A new Graduate Social Visit Pass is also now accessible to international students from 23 countries who have completed or are about to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in any Malaysian higher education institute.
A new Graduate Social Visit Pass is also now accessible to international students from 23 countries who have completed or are about to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in any Malaysian higher education institute.
The Malaysian Immigration Department has unveiled a visa liberalization plan aimed at attracting foreign tourists and boosting national income, positioning Malaysia as a key player in the investment and tourism sectors in the Asian region.
The visa liberalization plan comprises several measures that will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2026, unless otherwise stated.
A new Graduate Social Visit Pass is now accessible for international students from 23 countries who have completed or are about to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in any Malaysian higher education institute.
The eligible countries include Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Sweden, UAE, UK, and the United States.
The GSVP, a variant of the Long-Term Social Visit Pass, is now available for a year’s duration, accompanied by a Multiple Entry Visa. This pass grants access to tourism, study, and work in specific sectors, streamlining the process for those seeking extended stays.
Dependents of pass holders are eligible for a LTSVP. Applicants need to show proof of a personal bond from a Malaysian sponsor with a minimum income of RM 1500 (approx. $320).
From Dec. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, Malaysia is exempting Chinese and Indian citizens from visas, allowing a 30-day visa-free stay without extensions. Visa approvals obtained before Dec. 1 are accepted, but fees are non-refundable.
The visa validity for entry extends from three to six months from the date of issuance, allowing a 30-day stay per entry.
The visa validity for entry, including Visa with Reference and Visa Without Reference is extended from three to six months from the date of issuance.
Applicants for long-term passes must arrive within six months of the pass approval letter.
The Social Visit Pass duration is extended from 14 to 30 days for 22 countries, including Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Colombia, Congo Democratic Republic, Congo Republic, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Niger, and Rwanda. Visas are still required for entry, with no extension allowed beyond the 30-day SVP.
A new Umrah transit visa featuring a 7-day SVP is now accessible to nationals from 32 countries. This visa option allows individuals to visit Malaysia for social purposes either before or after undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage. To apply, interested parties must submit their applications through a registered travel agency affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
Recently, the University of Nottingham Malaysia has officially inaugurated its cutting-edge Future Students Centre in Petaling Jaya. The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of British High Commission deputy country director Francine Torbett, UNM provost and chief executive officer, Prof. Sarah Metcalfe, and Boustead Holdings Bhd Group CEO Izaddeen Daud.
The establishment of the Future Students Centre aligns with Malaysia’s ambitious Education Blueprint, which aims to attract 250,000 international students to the country by 2025.
During the opening ceremony, Prof Metcalfe emphasized, “This center signifies not only our continuous investment in Malaysia but also our commitment to adapting to the changing needs of our students and their potential employers.”
Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin also recently concluded a five-day official visit to Turkey and Iran. During the visit, a total of 19 Memorandums of Understanding and three Memorandums of Cooperation were formalized.
The journey served as a platform for the Higher Education Ministry to investigate avenues for collaboration, specifically in research, expert exchanges, and student mobility programs.
In Turkey, three MoUs were signed between Istanbul Gelisim University and three premier Malaysian public universities: Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Malaya. These MoUs primarily focus on offshore programs, student and staff exchanges, research initiatives, and other academic endeavors.
“The MoUs clearly reflect the growing confidence in the standard of Malaysian higher education institutions,” said Mohamed Khaled.
