KUALA LUMPUR: Tourists from China unable to return home due to flight cancellations over the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak will be issued with a special pass to extend their stay in Malaysia, Immigration director-general Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud said today.
The pass, which will also be issued to Chinese nationals experiencing health issues not related to 2019-nCoV, will be distributed after validation is received from the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, he added.
“The visas for all Chinese tourists who are still in the country will not be extended, except for those with health issues or those who have failed to get on flights out of the country.
“Effective Jan 27, (tourists) are required to go to the Immigration office with their departure flight tickets and validation received from the Chinese Embassy, to apply for the special pass,” Khairul Dzaimee said at a press conference here.
He added that the special pass allows for a 14- or 30-day stay in Malaysia, based on respective departure flight dates, Bernama reported.