Kuala Lumpur: The Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has cautioned Indian nationals travelling to Malaysia against misusing the country’s 30-day visa-free entry facility to look for jobs, warning that such travellers could face overstay, illegal immigration status, exploitation, detention and legal action.
The warning comes amid a “noticeable increase” in Indian citizens arriving in Malaysia under the visa-free scheme specifically to hunt for employment, the mission said. It added that many of these travellers are being misled by “unscrupulous agents” making false job promises.
The High Commission made it clear that the 30-day visa-free entry available to Indian passport holders is strictly for tourism and social visits, and that using it to take up employment breaches Malaysian immigration laws, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Advisory In Full
“The High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur alerts Indian nationals travelling to Malaysia on tourist visas against taking up employment. Many Indian nationals are misled by unscrupulous agents with false job promises, leading to overstay, illegal status, exploitation, detention and legal action. This is a clear violation of immigration rules, as the visa-free entry facility which permits Indian passport holders to stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days is granted for tourism and social visits only.”
“Indian nationals are strictly advised not to travel to Malaysia for work / employment purpose without work permit or visa with reference (VDR),” the notice added.
What Tourists Must Carry
To avoid trouble at immigration, genuine tourists were advised to travel with valid, verifiable documents: a confirmed return ticket, hotel booking, proof of having submitted the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online at least three days before arrival, and a passport with at least six months’ validity.
The advisory once again warned against travelling to Malaysia for work or employment without the proper work permit or Visa With Reference (VDR).
