Aug 28, Colombo: The Malaysian government has revoked the visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility for nationals from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, a Malaysian news report said Thursday. According to the report the ruling came into effect on Aug 1.

Malaysia has introduced the VOA scheme in September 2006 to promote tourism in the country. However the Malaysian cabinet recently has made the decision to revoke the VOA privilege to nationals from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Afghanistan, Colombia, Israel, Montenegro, Serbia and 21 countries in the African continent as well.

The foreign nationals with VOA overstaying the 30-day visa period is reportedly the reason for the government to take this step. According to the Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung 5,093 Sri Lankans have overstayed the visa period. Indian nationals are the largest group of violators.

Sri Lankans can obtain a Visa Without Reference (VWTR) or Visa With Reference (VWR) at the Malaysian Embassy. VWR is issued for those traveling only on business or investment for two months initially with a four-month extension while the short term travelers with VWTR gets a visa for one month initially with another month extension.