Quote:
Originally Posted by aubella
One can of course live in Malaysia for a certain period under a normal tourist visa, but it would be very difficult to live "forever" here under the 90 days tourist visa. I have American clients who were eventually "politely" informed by the immigration officer when she tried to enter Malaysia to get another 90days after staying for 2 years, that if she intend to stay for long term she has to get a long term visa or else she may be rejected from entry the next time she comes in.
After all, Malaysia is the attraction. MM2H is just a program that facilitates for that. I presume everyone is coming here because of what Malaysia can offer, or ain't I correct?
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
Regards,
Aubella.com
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Hi aubella,
I agree that Malaysia has much to offer and it should be on everyone's list of places to retire to but those who are retiring should not have to pay for the privilege of living there in the form of a rather substantial amount deposited into a bank nor is the ability to work a great incentive. While I think most would like to engage in some activity to augment their income that's their business and not the government's. What retirees DO bring to a country is their lifetime of experience and knowledge which they share, the money they spend to make the economy even stronger and the simple fact that they are usually good citizens and not involved in nefarious activities. So, for retirees, I disagree with the MM2H visa program - expat retirees only bring benefits to the host country and shouldn't have to 'bribe' their way in. In a different way those still working also bring their knowledge, their energy and their money to Malaysia and all benefit for them doing so. Again, the government that governs least governs best.
Also, keep in mind that what the government grants it can also take away so that 10 year visa could be taken very easily should you offend someone in the government and then struggle mightily to get your money out of that bank. While Malaysia is high on my list of destinations they really need to rethink their policies to be more open and inviting to expats. Right now the only thing that differentiates Malaysia from a dozen other Asian countries is the ability to buy and own your own home - but most allow ownership of a condo [since no land is involved] so that single difference isn't enough to make Malaysia stand out all that much from a host of others. Just my humble opinion but I would never, under those guidelines, consider a MM2H visa. Thanks for your informative post even though we disagree!
Serendipity2