Why were 10 Indians denied entry into Malaysia despite the visa-free provision?

Ten Indian nationals were turned away at Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) this week, even though the country currently allows visa-free entry for Indian passport holders.

According to a report by Malay Mail, the Indians were part of a larger group of 99 foreign nationals who were blocked from entering the Asian country by immigration authorities on Monday at KLIA Terminal 1.

So, what exactly went wrong? Here’s what we know so far.

Why were Indians denied entry into Malaysia?

The refusal to let the Indian nationals enter wasn’t random, it was part of a targeted seven-hour operation by Malaysia ’s Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), aimed at screening passengers from “high-risk” flights.

During this special drive, immigration officers screened over 400 travellers. Out of these, 99 people were denied entry, including 80 Bangladeshi nationals, 10 Indians, and 9 Pakistanis. All of them were men.

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In a statement, Malaysian authorities explained the reason behind the move: all 99 travellers failed to clear immigration checks. “They were denied as they failed to meet immigration checks, including having suspicious reasons for visiting and travel records,” the officials said.

Before being deported, each individual was subjected to additional documentation procedures, including background verification, travel document checks, and personal interviews. The AKPS added that all deportations were carried out in accordance with Malaysia’s legal framework.

The agency also made it clear that this wasn’t a one-time exercise. Operations like these, they said, will be conducted regularly to clamp down on the misuse of social visit passes and to curb potential human trafficking.

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What is Malaysia’s visa-free entry policy for Indians?

Despite the recent deportations, Malaysia continues to offer visa-free entry for Indian passport holders,  a policy that has been extended until December 31, 2026, under the country’s broader visa liberalisation plan.

The initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and economic activity, especially in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the country’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.

“This is a golden opportunity for the people of Tamil Nadu and across India to explore Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities without the hassle of applying for a visa,” said Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, in a statement to The Hindu.

However, the visa-free facility comes with specific entry requirements. To be eligible, Indian travellers must:

-Hold a passport valid for at least six months

-Carry a return or onward flight ticket

-Show proof of accommodation or a detailed itinerary

-Have sufficient funds for the duration of the stay

-Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days prior to travel. The MDAC is a mandatory online pre-arrival declaration that streamlines the immigration process

The relaxed visa norms appear to be working in Malaysia’s favour.

According to Tourism Malaysia, the country welcomed over 1 million Indian tourists between January and November 2024, a 47 per cent jump compared to the same period in 2019 (pre-pandemic) and a 71.7 per cent rise over 2023. This surge, the tourism board said, is largely attributed to the visa-free policy introduced in 2023.

Malaysia’s tourism board hopes this upward trend will continue, as it works toward making tourism one of the top contributors to the country’s GDP.

With input from agencies