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.