The fast-clearance autogates should help reduce wait times at immigration counters at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2.
Starting June 1, international travellers from 46 countries will be able to use Malaysia’s autogates to enter the country. Last year, the government only allowed foreign visitors from 10 countries to use the electronic immigration clearance system, which was previously exclusive to Malaysians.
According to the New Straits Times, Home Minister Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the inclusion of an additional 36 low-risk countries on May 16. “This brings the total number of countries able to use the autogate facilities to 46,” he said, adding that the move aims to alleviate the long waiting lines at immigration, especially at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2.
He also noted that the autogate facility will be extended to all diplomatic staff working in Malaysia, including their family members.
Among the 36 newly added low-risk countries are all the European Union member states, as well as Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
This is in addition to Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United States, and United Kingdom, which were allowed last year.
Here’s the full list of countries whose citizens may use Malaysia’s autogates:
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Korea (South)
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Oman
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of Cyprus
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
Saifuddin stated that 40 more autogate machines will be installed at the airports, bringing the total number of autogates to 98. “I am confident that this initiative will ease and accelerate the immigration clearance process, without compromising on security,” he said.
He added that the government’s decision to implement this measure is in response to the high influx of travellers into the country this year.
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