The Star Online
4 November 2008

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians are ex- pected to know in two weeks’ time if Britain will subject them to new visa regulations.

The announcement will be made in a final meeting of the joint committee for the visa waiver test conducted in Malaysia.

Immigration director-general Datuk Mahmood Adam said the British representatives would evaluate measures taken by Malaysia to curb its people from illegally staying on in Britain.

“They will tell us if they are happy with our measures taken. They want us to further explain how we are strengthening our regulations and efforts to discourage visa abuse.

“If they are happy with our efforts, they may not subject us to the new ruling,” he said after Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar launched Nexcode - the Nexbis’ National Security Solution - developed by Nexbis Sdn Bhd for the Immigration Department.

Mahmood added that a series of meetings had been held by the joint committee.

On Malaysia’s side, the committee members include representatives from the Foreign and Home ministries and the Immigration and National Registration departments.

Malaysian tourists have always enjoyed the privilege of visa-free visit to Britain for up to six months.

However, the British government, in July, gave Malaysia a six-month window period to make necessary improvements to stop visa abuse following rising cases of Malaysians overstaying and working illegally there.

If the new visa ruling is imposed effective January 2009, Malaysians must have a visa to enter Britain.

But all will not be lost even if Britain decides to withdraw the visa waiver from Malaysians.

Mahmood said Malaysia was still allowed time to appeal.

“This is due to the good relations we have with Britain. So far, they are also happy with our measures,” he said.

Thanks for visiting Malaysians Abroad Homepage. If you would like to receive latest news in Malaysia, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. You'll receive daily dose of Malaysian News here.