Relax rules to attract more tourists
Relax rules to attract more tourists
The Star, Asia News Network, Kuala Lumpur
With the world economy in a spin and demand for exports
dropping considerably, there are few sources left for governments
to earn foreign exchange and provide employment opportunities.
Yet an excellent way to do this is through tourism. Though the
attacks of Sept. 11 have dampened people's enthusiasm for travel,
there are still lots of prospects in this area.
In recent years, tourism has played an increasing role in
contributing to economic growth in Malaysia and the government
has provided more funds to promote it and to encourage both
domestic and foreign tourists to visit local destinations.
One way of attracting more foreign visitors is to relax
immigration controls thus making it easier for such travelers to
move in and out of the country.
There is nothing more frustrating than to encounter cumbersome
immigration regulations for foreign visitors.
Recently, the government introduced a scheme to encourage more
foreign retirees to spend more time in the country. The
conditions imposed are mainly financial and all that they need to
do is to show that they have the funds to look after themselves
while holidaying here.
They will need to deposit RM150,000 in local banks before they
will be given the necessary visa for them to stay for up to a
year. Or they must show proof that they have RM10,000 of income a
month which should be sufficient for their personal needs such as
accommodation, food and other expenses.
When fully developed, this silver-hair program can attract
thousands of such senior citizens to spend part of their twilight
years in Malaysia, provided that they are made to feel welcome.
To make the offer more attractive, Deputy Prime Minister and
Home Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced recently
that such visitors could now stay here for up to three years.
However, they will still need to have their permits endorsed
yearly, as this is a technical requirement. While this may be a
formality as extension is almost automatic, the ministry must
ensure that the immigration officers show a more friendly
attitude and that going to the Immigration Department will not
become a hassle.
There are some officers who may make things difficult for
them. There are some reports that inquiries on applying for such
visas have been given short shrift by some insensitive officers.
The most important qualifications in granting such
applications or extensions should be that they have the financial
means to support themselves while living here, including the
ability to pay for medical treatment.
Of course they must be of good character and that their only
intention to live here must be to enjoy the local hospitality,
the warm climate for those from temperate countries and of course
the considerably lower cost of living, the variety of food, the
friendly people and personal safety.