Govt urged to implement visa-on-arrival for tourists from all countries

 

The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) has urged for swift implementation of the visa-on-arrival (VOA) scheme for tourists from all countries. - NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAH

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) has urged for swift implementation of the visa-on-arrival (VOA) scheme for tourists from all countries.

This is to bring in 15.5 million tourists this year, and bolster Malaysia's competitiveness in the global tourism industry said Mita president Uzaidi Udanis.

He said the VOA scheme is crucial to bring in more visitors into Malaysia through the ease of access and welcoming procedures being put in place for foreign travellers.

He said Mita hopes to work closely with the Immigration Department which is the first entity a tourist meets upon arrival at the airport.

Uzaidi said if the Immigration Department has unclear guidelines for tourists, it would make it difficult for the tourism industry.

He cited previous cases of tourist groups being held on arrival due to 'security' and being questioned by the authorities.

"Security should not be used as a reason to hinder tourist arrivals and I am sure that the authorities are more than capable of maintaining order despite the increase in tourism.

"There is a full documentation of when the tourists arrive and depart from the country, where they stay, and what are their itineraries as they are here.

"There are no problems of tourists not wanting to leave the country, everything is clear and has followed the regulations, so security risks should not be a problem," he said in a press conference, here, today.

He adds that Chinese tourists' high spending also plays an important role in helping to drive Malaysia's economic growth.

The lack of Chinese tourists means a lack of vitality and growth momentum he said.

Uzaidi said the aim is to bring in half a million tourists from China and 15.5 million tourists on the whole into the country this year.

"We believe the proposed visa-on-arrival policy will boost Malaysia's appeal as a tourist destination and help us to remain competitive.

He said Malaysia currently has a VOA scheme but it is limited to 15 days, with much documentation required, and it is a long process.

"Meanwhile, neighbouring countries such as Thailand offer at least 30 days of VOA," said Uzaidi.

Mita deputy president, Mint Leong said as of now, visa-on-arrival is only available for two countries, India and China.

"The tourists will have to transit in third-world countries first before they can come into Malaysia and apply for VOA for a stay.

"Therefore, we would like to urge the Home Ministry (KDN) to look into having an open VOA, which means the tourists can fly in from any country they want," said Leong.

She said such a move would boost the number of worldwide tourists' arrival as they can arrive directly arrive in Malaysia and spend to boost the economy.

Meanwhile, Uzaidi said Mita is looking forward to a proactive budget for the tourism sector.

"Mita would like to reiterate our complete endorsement of the minister's proposal and are willing to collaborate and work together towards its realisation," he adds.

Previously, Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had proposed a VOA scheme for tourists from all countries. This is to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the global tourism industry.

"I urge the Home Ministry to immediately look into expanding visa-on-arrival for all countries, especially China and India, to prevent us from losing our competitiveness within the region," he said in his keynote address at the 2023 ASEAN Tourism Forum in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Tiong also said changes to current immigration policies and mechanisms should be undertaken with the adaptation of local tourism products and services to enable the tourism industry to attract tourists.

-nst online.