By Tajdar H Zaidi
New Delhi: The High Commission of Malaysia in India has issued an important travel advisory highlighting a concerning trend involving Indian nationals visiting Malaysia under the recently extended 30-day visa-free entry scheme.
According to the advisory, a significant number of Indian travelers have been denied entry at Malaysian airports and placed in the “Not To Land” (NTL) category by Malaysian immigration authorities.
This classification effectively bars travelers from entering Malaysia, forcing them to remain confined within airport premises until they are deported back to India on the same airline that brought them.
The advisory warns that this situation is increasingly common and can lead to long waiting periods at airports, leaving travelers stranded, stressed, and vulnerable.
Reasons for Being Placed in the NTL Category
The High Commission has detailed several common factors contributing to passengers being marked as NTL:
- Insufficient Funds: Travelers are unable to demonstrate adequate financial resources to support themselves during their stay.
- Lack of Verified Accommodation: Passengers without verifiable hotel bookings or clear proof of accommodation arrangements.
- Invalid or Suspicious Return Tickets: Individuals without a legitimate return flight ticket or clear travel plans.
- Immigration Concerns: Travelers suspected of violating Malaysian immigration laws, including seeking illegal employment while on a tourist visit.
In such instances, travelers are detained in designated holding areas of the airport until deportation, a process that can take time depending on airline schedules, often resulting in uncomfortable delays and extended airport stays.
Advisory to Indian Travelers: Follow Malaysian Immigration Rules Strictly
The High Commission is urging Indian nationals planning to visit Malaysia to strictly comply with immigration requirements under the 30-day visa-free entry scheme. Travelers should ensure the following before departure:
- Proof of adequate funds to support their visit.
- Verifiable accommodation details, such as confirmed hotel bookings or authentic invitations.
- Valid return tickets clearly demonstrating travel plans.
Warning Against Employment Scams
The advisory has also raised alarms about fraudulent agents misguiding Indian citizens. Unscrupulous visa or employment agents are reportedly luring travelers with false promises of job opportunities in Malaysia under this visa-free entry scheme.
Officials have clarified that the 30-day visa-free entry is strictly for tourism and short-term visits—not for employment purposes.
The High Commission strongly cautions travelers to:
- Be wary of agents offering “guaranteed jobs” in Malaysia through this program.
- Avoid falling victim to human trafficking rackets or immigration scams.
- Verify all travel and work opportunities through official Malaysian government channels.
A Call for Vigilance
With Malaysia emerging as a popular travel and business destination, the advisory serves as a critical reminder for Indian tourists and job seekers to exercise caution. Authorities are urging travelers to prepare thoroughly, adhere to immigration rules, and remain alert against fraudulent intermediaries.
Failure to comply with regulations not only risks denied entry and deportation but also damages India’s international travel reputation.
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