Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has announced that the Visa Liberalisation Plan (PLV) for Chinese visitors to Malaysia has been extended for another 5 years, allowing them to stay in our country for up to 90 days visa-free.
Saifuddin Nasution added that the PLV’s extension was part of a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and documents signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia, with China also reciprocating by allowing the same for Malaysian visitors to the country.
Chinese nationals can stay up to 90 days in Malaysia visa-free for another 5 years, and vice versa
The joint visa exemption agreement for holders of public affairs and ordinary passports was signed by Saifuddin Nasution and his China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The Home Minister was quoted by BERNAMA as saying that Malaysia will extend PLV for the next 5 years, and after that, there will be an option to renew it for another 5 years.
He elaborated,
“This (PLV) allows Chinese nationals to stay in our country for up to 90 days as tourists. And China will reciprocate with the same arrangement for us,”
The Home Minister lauds the economic impact the agreement would have on our country
Saifuddin Nasution lauded the agreement, saying that it had already yielded positive results with tourist arrivals from China to Malaysia on the rise.
According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Chinese tourists spend an average of RM7,000 during their stay in Malaysia.
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Furthermore, 4 million Chinese tourists visited our country in 2024, with almost 900,000 arrivals from China already recorded as of April this year.
The Home Minister said that the tourism aspect is an important component to the Malaysian economy as it has an immediate impact compared to investments.
He asserted,
“So when we look at the arrival numbers, it’s clear that this is a formula with immediate economic benefits and a significant impact,”
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that the joint visa exemption agreement will deepen exchanges and cooperation, further advancing the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
So, what do you guys think of the agreement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
