Britain may be forced to slap visa requirement

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians visiting Britain will need to obtain a visa by year's end if more irresponsible Malaysians continue to abuse their entry permits and overstay in Britain.

The British Home Office has put Malaysia on the watch list and the Malaysian Government, concerned with the situation, is appealing to Britain not to impose the measure.

If Britain decides to impose the visa requirement, there is a possibility that other European Union countries will follow suit.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said there had been too many cases of Malaysians who had overstayed in Britain after they entered as tourists or students.

“We are concerned because the action of some Malaysians is causing inconvenience to others. Malaysians going overseas must adhere to the rules and regulations of the host government.

“We have six months to improve the situation. I am appealing to Malaysians travelling to Britain to comply with the rules because your action will affect the genuine visitors,” he told The Star yesterday.

Syed Hamid was commenting on a report that Malaysia was one of the 11 countries Britain may add to the list of countries whose nationals are required to apply for visas. Other countries include Brazil, Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa and Venezuela.

Currently, Malaysian tourists can enter Britain without having to obtain a prior visa for up to six months, while students need to get a visa.

Recently, the number of Malaysians refused entry has increased to between 150 and 200 a month.

Syed Hamid said there had been cases of Malaysia being used as a transit point for citizens from other countries to enter Britain.

It is understood that unscrupulous Malaysians sold their passports or sell forged documents to foreigners who would have to undergo stringent checks if they were to use their country’s passport.

Meanwhile, PAUL GABRIEL reports in Kuala Lumpur that British High Commissioner to Malaysia William Boyd McCleary said that the Malaysian authorities had been asked “a range of questions” and Britain would make a final decision in six months.

“We will complete the process by early 2009 and have asked Malaysia to respond to all matters that concern us.

“Britain is getting very good co-operation from Malaysia and we hope that it will not have to come to it (imposing a visa requirement on Malaysians),” he said.

The High Commissioner stressed that Britain valued its close relations with Malaysia and would continue to welcome its students, tourists and bona-fide travellers.