Britain gives thumbs-up to actions against visa abuse

KUALA LUMPUR: So far so good. Three months after Malaysia was told that its visa-exempt status may be revoked by the end of the year due to abuses, the British authorities are giving the thumbs-up to corrective measures taken to date.

What is at stake is a privilege Malay­sians currently enjoy: visa-free stay in Britain for up to six months.

Britain’s “strong case” for implementing a visa regime against Malaysia is softening halfway through the six-month grace period for the Government to act and plug the loopholes.

The UK Border Agency, a shadow agency of the British Home Office, and the British High Commission are happy with the measures taken by the Malaysian authorities so far.

A UK Border Agency official, who is being based here to evaluate the compliance and security improvements being carried out, is said to be satisfied with the collaboration received.

The agency was formed in April to improve Britain’s security through stronger border protection while welcoming legitimate travellers and trade.

Britain had in July given Malay­sia until December to prevent illegal immigration and improve passport security, crime and anti-terrorism measures and cooperate in deporting Malaysians who overstayed.

If the British Home Office remains dissatisfied at the end of the grace period, Malaysia could lose its visa-exempt status from early next year.