Malaysia Expat Forum

Immigration and visa problems

12/2/2017 14:34 EST

I’ve been living in Malaysia for a year on a tourist visa, taking a short trip out every three months. I work online as a writer and editor (not for a Malaysian company) so I can work from anywhere. I rent an apartment long term and have pets and don’t want to leave any time soon. However, when I returned from a visa run today, I was told it’s suspicious that I have so many stamps in my passport and no return ticket. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there any way to stay here without trying to get a job or studying?

stevejc

12/11/2017 01:02 EST

Visa runs are not legal, the only way to legally stay there is through the MM2H program HOWEVER you cannot work if you are under 50 or if you are over 50 only for 20 hours a week BUT only in certain jobs.

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cinnamonape

2/12/2018 12:12 EST

Actually visa runs are not illegal...as long as you are complying with the terms of the visa. But immigration officers generally have broad discretion in determining whether the individual appears to be "working" in Malaysia. Long stays and short stops outside are "evidence" of working.

Were you interviewed by someone other than the gate officer? Did you receive a more limited stamp in your passport (2 weeks vs. 3 months)? Is there any other mark on the stamp? Or a preceding stamp?
You may have to find someone to watch your pets for a month or two. Another alternative is to try coming in via another entry point. Penang seems particularly nasty. Maybe go out...fly to Sarawak or Sabah when you come in.

cinnamonape

3/19/2018 08:35 EST

Also one simple way to solve the issue is to book your flight out for your next visa run three months in advance. It can be a short hop flight to Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand. Mix up your destinations, stay longer than a few days.

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