New Delhi: The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur has cautioned Indian nationals against misusing Malaysia's 30-day visa-free entry facility to travel to the country in search of employment.
The mission warned that those attempting to find work through the facility could face overstay, illegal immigration status, exploitation, detention and legal action.
Visa-Free Entry Meant Only For Visits
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, the High Commission said there had been “a noticeable increase in Indian nationals arriving in Malaysia using the 30-day visa-free facility, to seek employment.”
It urged Indians traveling to Malaysia as tourists to follow the conditions of their stay and “alerts Indian nationals traveling to Malaysia on tourist visas against taking up employment.”
The mission also cautioned travelers about fraudulent job offers made by unscrupulous agents. It said, “Many Indian nationals are misled by unscrupulous agents with false job promises, leading to overstay, illegal status, exploitation, detention and legal action.”
The High Commission stressed that using the visa-free facility to look for or take up employment is against Malaysian immigration rules. The facility allows Indian passport holders to remain in Malaysia for up to 30 days and is meant “for tourism and social visits only.”
Documents Required For Malaysian Entry
Indian nationals traveling to Malaysia for tourism have been advised to carry valid and verifiable documents to avoid immigration-related difficulties.
These include a confirmed return ticket, hotel booking and proof of online submission of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days before arrival. Travelers have also been advised to ensure that their passports remain valid for at least six months.
Reiterating its warning, the High Commission said, “Once again, Indian nationals are strictly advised not to travel to Malaysia for work/employment purpose without work permit or visa with reference (VDR).”
The advisory comes amid concerns over Indian nationals being attracted by false job promises and subsequently falling foul of Malaysian immigration regulations. The mission urged those seeking employment to secure the appropriate authorization before travelling.