Malaysia denies entry to 80 Bangladeshis over visa entry conditions

Entry refusal reasons include “dubious” hotel bookings, missing immigration checks, and insufficient funds

Malaysian immigration authorities have sent back 80 more Bangladeshi nationals from Kuala Lumpur International Airport after they “failed” to meet the required conditions for entry on tourist visas.

According to Malaysian daily The Straits Times, the group was denied entry after failing to provide “satisfactory justification” for travel, despite holding valid tourist visas.

The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) reportedly held a special seven-hour operation at KLIA Terminal 1 on Friday, targeting flights deemed “high-risk”.

A total of 99 foreigners, including 80 Bangladeshis, were detained following checks on over 400 passengers.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the MCBA said all those denied entry were male, including 80 Bangladeshis, 10 Indians and nine Pakistanis. They were refused entry for “failing” to meet the requirements of the immigration screening process.

The reasons cited for rejection included “suspicious” hotel bookings, failure to appear at the immigration counter, and not carrying sufficient funds.

The MCBA noted that individuals seeking entry into Malaysia must present a valid passport and visa, demonstrate sufficient financial means, and provide credible accommodation plans.

The agency also confirmed that, following legal procedures, further documentation and registration were completed before deporting the travellers. Screening, document verification and personal interviews were part of the operation.

The airport operations will be strengthened to prevent human trafficking and misuse of tourist visas, the statement said.

Earlier, Malaysian authorities had deported 131 foreign nationals, including 96 Bangladeshis, on Jul 11. Another 198 foreigners, including 123 Bangladeshis, on Jul 23 for similar reasons.

All of them had entered Malaysia on tourist visas.