Visa-free, but not entry-free: Why 10 Indian men were turned away at Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Airport

In this picture taken on February 14, 2020, Malaysia Airlines planes are parked at the boarding gates at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo by NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP)

Malaysia’s visa-free entry policy for Indian passport holders is still in effect. But that didn’t stop immigration officials from denying entry to 10 Indian nationals earlier this week at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), raising questions over how far the visa-free benefit actually extends.

According to a report by Malay Mail, the Indians were among 99 foreign nationals blocked from entering Malaysia on Monday as part of a seven-hour special immigration operation by Malaysia’s Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) at KLIA Terminal 1.

Targeted checks on “high-risk” flights

This wasn’t a random act. The AKPS described the operation as a focused initiative targeting “high-risk” flights. Over 400 passengers were screened, and 99 were refused entry -- 80 from Bangladesh, 10 from India, and nine from Pakistan. All were men.

Malaysian immigration officials said in a statement that the rejections were based on security protocols, not nationality. “They were denied as they failed to meet immigration checks, including having suspicious reasons for visiting and travel records,” the statement said.

Before deportation, the travellers were subjected to background verification, travel document scrutiny, and personal interviews. The authorities said the deportations were conducted in line with Malaysia’s legal framework.

The AKPS also made it clear that this was not a one-off. Such operations will now be conducted regularly to “curb the misuse of social visit passes and prevent potential human trafficking,” the agency said.

So, what does Malaysia’s visa-free policy for Indians actually allow?

Indian travellers can still enter Malaysia without a visa under a policy valid until December 31, 2026. This is part of Malaysia’s broader visa liberalisation programme aimed at boosting tourism, particularly ahead of its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

But visa-free doesn’t mean unchecked access. There are clear entry requirements:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of accommodation or a planned itinerary
• Sufficient funds for the duration of stay
• A completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submitted online within three days before travel
• Tourism boost amid stricter scrutiny

“The initiative 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,” Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, told The Hindu.

Data from Tourism Malaysia supports that optimism. Over 1 million Indian tourists visited Malaysia between January and November 2024 -- a 47 per cent increase from the same period in 2019, and a 71.7 per cent jump over 2023.

Officials credit this growth to the visa-free entry policy announced in late 2023. The hope is that this upward trend continues, even as Malaysian authorities tighten screening protocols to prevent abuse of the system.