Easier passport applications and renewals in 2014

Posted on 10 December 2013 - 09:38pm
Last updated on 11 December 2013 - 08:51am

Elly Fazaniza
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PUTRAJAYA (Dec 10, 2013): The process of applying for or renewing passports will be simplified from March 1 next year.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix) said today that under the new arrangement:
- new applicants will not need to fill any forms as the Immigration Department will extract their particulars from the National Registration Department's database;
- those renewing their passports need only bring along their old passports; and
- both new applicants and those seeking renewal of their passports would not need to bring photographs as these would be taken at the counters for free.

Ahmad Zahid also announced that the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility will be re-introduced for tourists from India and China, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

He said VoA would be made available to tourists from these countries, but only if they enter Malaysia through a third country.

The government had stopped the VoA for visitors from eight countries, including China and India, in 2010 following rampant abuse of the facility.

Ahmad Zahid warned that although the restriction was being lifted, authorities will be vigilant and take stern action against anyone who abuses it.

He said, in the past, there were many who entered using VoAs on the pretense of being tourists or visiting relatives here, but had instead overstayed or were involved in questionable professions.

"We will not compromise and deport them should there be any abuse," he warned, saying authorities would keep a close watch out for such tourists who are involved in vice activities.

He said some foreign women who entered on VoA had even married locals in an attempt to gain permanent residence or citizenship.

Immigration Department records indicate that as many as 39,000 Indian and 6,000 Chinese nationals are currently overstaying in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, commenting on the ministry's crackdown on errant security firms with possible links to triads, Ahmad Zahid said if any are found to be involved, their organisations will be gazetted and made known to the public.