Ibrahim Gardner
Malaysia has been working towards reopening its borders to international students since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2020, the Malaysian government announced its intention to consider reopening borders and allowing international students to return during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO). This decision was driven by the economic benefits of international students, who contribute up to RM5.9 billion annually to the Malaysian economy. On December 22, 2020, it was announced that Malaysia would reopen its borders to international students starting January 1, 2021, with specific COVID-19 protocols in place. More recently, in February 2022, the Malaysian National Recovery Council (NRC) agreed to fully open the country's borders by March, without mandatory quarantine. However, this decision was made amidst concerns surrounding the Omicron variant. As of April 1, 2022, Malaysia has reopened its borders to international travellers, including students, with certain requirements in place, such as mask mandates and social distancing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of border reopening | 1 January 2021 |
| Target group | International students |
| COVID-19 testing requirements | Students must undergo COVID-19 testing 3 days prior to travelling to Malaysia and another swab test upon arrival |
| Quarantine requirements | Negative test results must undergo 10-day quarantine at locations gazetted by the government |
| Cost | All costs must be borne by the student |
| Latest update | Malaysia plans to fully reopen borders by March 2022 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Malaysia reopens borders to international students from 1 January 2021
- Students from the UK were exempt due to the high number of COVID-19 cases
- Malaysia plans to fully reopen borders to all countries by March 2022
- International students contribute RM5.9 billion a year to Malaysia's economy
- Students must undergo COVID-19 testing before and after travelling to Malaysia
Malaysia reopens borders to international students from 1 January 2021
Malaysia has announced that it will reopen its borders to international students from 1 January 2021. This decision was made by the National Security Council in conjunction with the Ministry of Higher Education. Senior Minister of Defence, Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, confirmed that international students would be allowed entry into Malaysia, with the exception of those travelling from the United Kingdom. This decision was made due to the emergence of a new, highly infectious strain of COVID-19 in the UK, which has resulted in a full lockdown.
International students who are eligible to enter Malaysia include those returning to universities or schools and new students who have received offers from local educational institutions and have secured accommodation. Students must undergo COVID-19 testing three days before travelling to Malaysia and must take another swab test upon arrival at the airport. Even with negative test results, students must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine at government-specified locations, bearing the costs themselves.
In addition to health and safety measures, international students travelling to Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic must abide by government regulations. They are required to fill out and submit an Indemnity and Undertaking Letter to obtain a Travel Notice, which must be presented at check-in. Students also need to install the MySejahtera app on their mobile phones. Furthermore, individuals must undergo a medical screening within seven days of arrival and purchase health insurance in Malaysia, with costs ranging from RM 540 to RM 1112.
The reopening of borders to international students is a significant step towards revitalising Malaysia's economy and achieving the goal of becoming a preferred global education hub. The presence of international students contributes significantly to the nation's economic growth, and Malaysia's affordable cost of living and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for students worldwide.
International Students: Do You Need to File Taxes?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Students from the UK were exempt due to the high number of COVID-19 cases
On June 17, 2020, the Senior Minister of Defence of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, stated that the country would consider opening its borders to international students during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO). Yaakob confirmed that the Malaysian government would be receiving applications from international students to return to Malaysia to further their studies.
On December 22, 2020, Yaakob announced that international students would be allowed entry into Malaysia once more starting January 1, 2021. However, students from the United Kingdom were exempt from this decision due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in the UK at the time. The discovery of a highly infectious strain of COVID-19, dubbed VUI-202012/01, had resulted in a full lockdown in London and the southeast of England. Yaakob stated that the government would not yet allow students to travel between the UK and Malaysia due to the high infection rate. This decision was made by the National Security Council in conjunction with the Ministry of Higher Education.
Malaysia's international borders remained closed except in certain cases. The government was still monitoring the situation, and the Senior Minister stated that if further action was required, it would be announced following a risk assessment from the Ministry of Health.
As of April 1, 2022, Malaysia reopened its borders to international travellers, which will facilitate the return of UK institutions to Malaysia and nearby countries.
International Students: Their Early Arrival Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Malaysia plans to fully reopen borders to all countries by March 2022
Malaysia has been working towards reopening its borders to international students and travellers. In June 2020, the Senior Minister of Defence, Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, announced that the Malaysian government would consider opening the country's borders to international students during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO). This decision was supported by the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), with the view that international students would help revitalise the nation's economy.
On December 22, 2020, the Senior Minister (Security Cluster), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, confirmed that international students would be allowed entry into Malaysia starting January 1, 2021. However, students from the United Kingdom were exempt due to the high number of COVID-19 cases and the emergence of a new variant. Students entering Malaysia were required to undergo COVID-19 testing before and after arrival, as well as a mandatory 10-day quarantine.
In February 2022, Malaysia's National Recovery Council agreed to fully reopen borders to all countries without quarantine by March 2022. Mr Muhyiddin, the Minister of Health, emphasised that the Omicron variant was already present worldwide, so they could not afford to be selective about which countries to open borders to. This decision was expected to boost the country's economic recovery, particularly in the tourism and aviation industries.
Finally, on March 11, 2022, Malaysia officially announced the full reopening of its borders for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The reopening took effect on April 1, 2022, allowing fully vaccinated travellers quarantine-free entry. Unvaccinated travellers, however, were required to undergo a five-day quarantine upon arrival.
International Students: Free Room and Board?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
International students contribute RM5.9 billion a year to Malaysia's economy
International students have long been attracted to Malaysia due to its safe environment, cultural values, low cost of living, proximity to home countries, and access to halal food. The Malaysian government has also actively sought to attract international students to the country, with the goal of becoming a preferred global education hub. In 2019, international education in Malaysia generated RM7.2 billion from tuition fees, living expenses, and other services. This figure represents a significant contribution to the country's economy, estimated at RM5.9 billion annually.
On June 17, 2020, the Senior Minister of Defence, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, announced that the Malaysian government would consider reopening the country's borders to international students during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO). This decision was made with the understanding that strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) would be implemented to ensure the safe entry of international students and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Following this announcement, Malaysia reopened its borders to international students on January 1, 2021, with the exception of those traveling from the United Kingdom due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant. Students entering Malaysia were required to undergo COVID-19 testing before and after arrival, as well as a mandatory 10-day quarantine.
More recently, in March 2022, the Malaysian government announced that the country would once again reopen its borders to international travelers, including students, starting April 1, 2022. This decision was expected to facilitate the return of UK institutions to Malaysia and nearby countries, allowing for the resumption of face-to-face activities and engagement with prospective students and stakeholders.
The presence of international students in Malaysia not only contributes significantly to the country's economy but also aligns with the goals of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015–2025, which aims to leverage international students and alumni relations to positively impact the international community through talent and expertise.
International Students: Work Options Beyond E-Verify
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Students must undergo COVID-19 testing before and after travelling to Malaysia
Malaysia reopened its borders to international students on January 1, 2021. However, this did not apply to students coming from the United Kingdom, where a highly infectious strain of Covid-19 had emerged.
Upon arrival at the airport in Malaysia, students must undergo another swab test. Even if they test negative, they must still quarantine for 10 days at locations specified by the government. The cost of the tests and the quarantine must be borne by the student. Students who display COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival will be referred to the hospital for further treatment as per the guidelines set by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH).
It is important to note that Malaysia will reopen its borders to all international travellers on April 1, 2022. This will likely include international students as well, although there has been no official announcement yet.
Making Friends with International Students: How Many Is Enough?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Malaysia reopened its borders to international students on January 1, 2021, except for students coming from the United Kingdom. As of April 1, 2022, Malaysia has reopened its borders to all international travellers.
Students must undergo COVID-19 testing three days prior to travelling to Malaysia and must take another swab test upon arrival at the airport. Those who test negative must still undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine at locations gazetted by the government. All costs are borne by the student.
International students contribute up to RM5.9 billion a year to Malaysia's economy. The presence of international students will help to revitalise the nation's economy and support its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
