The Immigration Department of Malaysia has addressed allegations circulating on social media regarding a large number of Chinese nationals overstaying in the country and claims that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail granted citizenship to Chinese nationals, which have been circulating since 2022. The department clarified that the increase in Chinese visitors is primarily due to the visa-free travel arrangement between Malaysia and China.
This initiative, which began on December 1, 2023, allows Chinese tourists to stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days (extended to 90 days in April 2025) without a visa, with a reciprocal policy for Malaysian travelers in China. As of April 2025, this agreement has been extended for another five years. As part of the visa liberalization initiative, foreign tourists are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) and must adhere to strict security measures for auto-gate access.
Recent data indicates that Malaysia has seen a significant increase in Chinese tourist arrivals. Furthermore, the Immigration Department has emphasized that the visa liberalization initiative also extends to Indian nationals. These measures are part of Malaysia's broader strategy to enhance border security and streamline the immigration process through digital transformation.