LANGKAWI – A business group here plans to submit an appeal to immigration authorities seeking permission for foreign tourists, including yachties who have renewed their social visit passes, to extend their stay on the island resort until December.
Although the Immigration Department has the right to compound or expel those found to have overstayed or who are staying in the country illegally, Langkawi Business Association deputy president Datuk Issac Alexander pointed out that allowances must be made due to the global Covid-19 crisis.
“I think with the pandemic, we live in a new normal and cannot expect the old ways to prevail in conditions where masks and physical distancing are a must.”
He was responding to The Vibes’ report that foreign yachties were forced to leave Langkawi after their social visit passes were extended for only two to four weeks.
Some of the boaters who have left encountered rough weather en route to locations such as Phuket and Medan due to the seasonal monsoon.
Many flights are also unavailable as international travel bans are still in effect.
Some of the yachties have lived in Langkawi for decades, making customary visa runs to Thailand to get their social visit passes renewed every month.
Some said they have sold off their boats to invest in properties here.
Ideally, there should be an extension until year-end for yachties whose vessels are moored at three marinas: the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Telaga Harbour and Rebak Marina.
Those anchored offshore should get their visas renewed only on a case-by-case basis, especially for those who do not have valid travel documents, said Isaac.
But overall, he said, these yachties contribute to the local economy by patronising eateries, buying groceries, renting vehicles and leasing properties.
Tourism Langkawi pro tem president Ahmad Pishol Ishak said while expatriates are welcome to stay in the country, they need to do so legally and respect the law.
“We do not want those who flout the law to remain here. In this globalised age, we need to respect the laws of our host nations. It is the same for Malaysians who live overseas.”
Attempts to reach immigration authorities for comment were unsuccessful. – The Vibes, April 30, 2021
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