Introduction to how Hong Kong passport holders can visit Malaysia for a longer period without a visa
Based on diplomatic connections, economic collaboration, and cultural exchanges, Hong Kong and Malaysia have a good relationship. In order to promote understanding and regional integration, they collaborate on commerce, investment, tourist, and educational initiatives. Malaysia has agreed to increase the number of days Hong Kong passport holders can remain in the Southeast Asian country without a visa from 30 to 90 days.
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A Longer Stay for Hong Kong in Malaysia
People with intimate knowledge of the situation say that Hong Kongers may soon be able to remain in Malaysia for extended periods of time without a visa as the city’s leader works to improve relations with its Southeast Asian neighbors.
According to persons acquainted with the situation who asked anonymity so they could talk freely, Malaysia agreed to increase the amount of time Hong Kong passport holders can remain in the Southeast Asian nation without a visa from 30 to 90 days. One of the insiders said that an announcement would occur as soon as Thursday.
According to two of the sources, the Hong Kong administration made contact with the Malaysian government and submitted the request. John Lee, the city’s chief executive, is scheduled to go to the country in Southeast Asia on Thursday as part of a week-long tour of the area.
The action would be a reciprocation of Malaysians’ current 90-day visa-free travel privileges to the Asian financial center. Numerous calls to the Malaysian Home Ministry went unanswered, and a request for comment from Bloomberg News was not answered by a Hong Kong government official either. Lee is in the region to seek potential investment possibilities for the global financial center. Additionally, he is trying to get support for the city’s application to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which was established by China.
The decision by Malaysia to extend Hong Kong’s visa-free status would be a simple victory for Lee to demonstrate his deeper links to Southeast Asia. As worries about the loss of human freedoms following the adoption of a national security legislation enforced by Beijing in 2020 grow in Western capitals, Hong Kong has been seeking to strengthen the city’s international financial hub. Instead of openly criticizing Hong Kong for imprisoning pro-democracy activists and groups, the former British colony is instead focusing on forging connections with Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian nations.
Conclusion
The policy allowing citizens of Hong Kong to stay longer in Malaysia without a visa signifies the strong bond and goodwill between the two regions. This move facilitates increased people-to-people interaction, cultural exchange, and tourism. It reflects the friendly diplomatic relations and mutual trust between Hong Kong and Malaysia, demonstrating a commitment to fostering closer ties and promoting further cooperation. Such initiatives not only benefit individuals but also contribute to economic growth, regional stability, and a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and societies.
Contributed by Sanal Pillai
Edited by Imtiaz Ullah
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