With Covid-19 cases showing a downward trend globally and the possibility of international travel on the horizon, existing Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa holders are weighing their options.
In Penang, many of the MM2H visa holders have turned to the Tourism and Creative Economy for enquiries pertaining to their renewals.
This is more so as Penang is home for almost 20% of the MM2H visa holders in the country.
“Although the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) has earlier clarified that the revised conditions will only apply to new applications, it does not explain what happens to the existing MM2H visa holders when their visas expire,” said state exco for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin.
“While it is good to know that the new conditions do not apply to existing visa holders, the Ministry of Home Affairs needs to spell out clear guidelines and conditions regarding MM2H visa renewal.
“Giving foreign residents a second home also means giving them the proper and necessary information so they can make informed and proper decisions. They need clarity and transparency,” he added.
Yeoh said that with Covid-19 cases showing a downward trend globally, many expatriates are starting to mull their future relocation plans including MM2H visa holders.
“This is exactly why MOHA needs to immediately address this public concern circulating among our MM2H visa holders,” he added in a press statement.
Other states which are popular with MM2H visa holders are in the Klang Valley, Kedah (Langkawi), Johore, Sabah and Sarawak.
Meanwhile, neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines are ready to welcome them.