The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Malaysia is going to introduce new visa rules for Indian and Bangladeshi tourists in an effort to curb illegal immigration.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar has been quoted in Malaysia's New Straits Times as saying that visitors from the two nations will have to hold a return ticket, and obtain a two-week visa before entry.

The new regulations replace visas-on-arrival scheme scrapped in April.

Local media reports have said most overstayers are Indians who remain in Malaysia to work in restaurants and on plantations.

Immigration officials claim the visa on arrival facility, introduced in 2006 to boost tourist arrivals, has led to many Indians and Bangladeshis overstaying to find work in plantations and restaurants.

Malaysia is home to around 3 million foreign workers, 1 million of whom are working illegally.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has decided to restrict sales of petrol and diesel to foreign motorists to prevent abuse of fuel subsidies.