Malaysia limits multiple-entry visas to 31 nationalities

Malaysia has restricted multiple-entry visas to citizens of 31 countries and four specified travel purposes under new rules that took effect on Sept 1.

The visas, known as MEVs, will now be available only for fly-and-cruise travel, business, medical treatment and wedding tourism, according to a notice issued by Malaysia’s Immigration Department on Sept 2.

The department did not identify the 31 eligible countries.

Malaysian media reports have also not published a list of the countries covered by the new arrangement.

Several Bangladeshi news outlets have reported that Malaysia has cancelled multiple-entry visas for 31 countries, including Bangladesh.

When contacted for clarification, an official at the Bangladesh mission in Malaysia said they had also learnt about the issue through media reports.

The official said it would take time to obtain formal confirmation on whether Bangladesh is among the countries affected.

Under the new rules, applicants who are not citizens of one of the designated countries, or whose purpose of travel does not fall within the four approved categories, will no longer qualify for a multiple-entry visa.

An MEV allows a traveller to enter Malaysia more than once while the visa remains valid.

Previously, citizens of a broader range of countries were able to apply.

The new policy narrows eligibility both by nationality and by purpose of travel.