Covid-19: Immigration publishes a list of countries whose citizens are prohibited from entering M’sia

PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department has drawn up a list of countries whose citizens are prohibited from entering the country as of Monday (September 7).

The ban, due to the high number of Covid-19 cases, has been imposed on citizens of 23 countries: the United States, Brazil, India, Russia, Peru, Colombia, South Africa, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Iran, Bangladesh and UK.

Also on the list are Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Iraq, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The list was posted on the official Facebook page of the Immigration Department.

On September 3, the government announced that it will impose an entry ban on citizens of countries that have more than 150,000 Covid-19 cases as of September 7.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government will add more high-risk countries to the list and their citizens will not be allowed to enter the country.

However, for emergencies or cases involving bilateral relations, the authorities will make an exception and allow these people to enter.

Long-term pass holders from all 23 countries will not be allowed to enter Malaysia, including those with permanent resident status, Malaysia My Second Home participants, and expats and professional visit pass holders.

The spouses of Malaysian citizens and students are also prohibited from entering.

Various parties, including international chambers of commerce, have urged the government to reconsider the blanket entry ban, arguing that the latest policy could affect business operations.

The National Association of Private Education Institutions (Napei) said the government should seek alternative solutions, as the measure will also affect the economy.