PUTRAJAYA,Julai 4 – Malaysians residing in the United Kingdom (UK) are advised to look after the country’s image by adhering to the UK immigration law and not stay longer than six months in that country without a visa.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia via the Immigration Department was prepared to cooperate with the Royal Immigration of United Kingdom to assist Malaysians applying for an extension of their visa or obtaining a new passport.
“If they are to be deported, then they have no choice because the UK law must be complied with just as we want foreign nationals to obey our country’s law.
“We will not interfere in the UK immigration law and we call on Malaysians who are residing there to look after the country’s image so that the student visa and workers’ visa are used properly,” he told reporters after the soft launch of the 3rd General Police and Special Equipment Exhibition and Conference (GPEC) Asia, here today.
Also present were Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi and Putrahaya Corporation president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.
Malaysia is among the Commonwealth countries whose nationals are allowed to enter the UK without a visa for a period of not more than six months.
Yesterday, Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Datuk Seri Zakaria Sulong said it was estimated that 20,000 Malaysian nationals had abused their visas to work and stay in the UK for more than the duration allowed.
In 2011, Britain was reported to be keen on reviewing the regulation allowing Malaysians to enter the country without the visa for a period of not more than six months, but eventually maintained the existing regulation.
On the GPEC Asia 2013, Ahmad Zahid said about 20,000 people were expected to visit the biggest policing exhibition in Asia to be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here.
He said 200 companies from 20 countries were expected to participate in GPEC Asia 2013 from Oct 2 to 4 and among the activities to be held were a ministerial conference, national security dialogue, industry and police conference, indoor and outdoor demonstrations.
“The GPEC Asia this time will focus on public safety and the reduction of the crime rate. Discussions will be held and working papers will be prepared by the Asean ministers and those from other countries, including one from the Inspector-General of Police,” he added.
– BERNAMA
