Visiting the UK

With all the commotion about more Malaysians being denied entry into Britain due to many cases of overstaying, illegally working, drug mules, those who sincerely want to visit the GB suffer. It was reported in the news that approximately 150-200 Malaysians are denied entry and deported. The British immigration might even implement an entry visa for visitors. Currently, Malaysia being a Commonwealth country, we do not require a visa to visit the UK. Lucky us, for now.

Refer to the following article if you have been hiding in a cave or under a rock somewhere and have no idea what's going on:-

About 200 Malaysians Denied Entry Into United Kingdom Each Month - Syed Hamid - Bernama, 5 July 2008

TAIPING, July 5 (Bernama) -- An average of 150 to 200 Malaysians are denied entry into the United Kingdom (UK) each month following a move by the British government to tighten the entry of Malaysians into the country.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the British government had sent a notice to Kuala Lumpur at the end of last year informing that it was ready to tighten the rules against Malaysians if there were still violations of the British immigration laws committed by them.

He said among the offences committed by Malaysians were overstaying and engaging in employment.

Syed Hamid however said he hoped that the measure would not be implemented at the moment.

"We are urging Malaysians to abide by the rules and regulations. We don't want Malaysians who really need to travel to Britain to be at a disadvantage," he told reporters after visiting the Kamunting Detention Centre here Saturday.

He said at the moment, Malaysian travelling to United Kingdom would be given visa on arrival (VOA) that allow them to stay in the country for six months.

He also said the harmonious Malaysia-United Kingdom relations could be affected if the problem persisted.

The British government viewed the matter seriously and would take stern action to resolve the problem, he added.

Syed Hamid pointed out that the problems created by Malaysians in the United Kingdom were similar to those created by foreigners who came to Malaysia under the VOA facility but ended up abusing the privilege.

During the visit, Syed Hamid also toured the facility and met three Hindraf leaders who are detained under the Internal Security Act.

Anyway, the point I was getting at is I did some researching and came across the following (helpful!) information to ensure you take all precautions prior to travelling.

According to the UK Border Agency

1. To visit the UK, you must ensure and be able to prove the following:-
   
   
   
   • only want to visit the United Kingdom for up to six months;
   
   
   • plan to leave the United Kingdom at the end of your visit;
   
   
   • have enough money to support and accommodate yourself without working, help from public funds or you will be supported and accommodated by relatives or friends;
   
   
   • do not intend to charge members of the public for services provided or goods received;
   
   
   • do not intend to study; and
   
   
   • can meet the cost of the return or onward journey.



2. The following documents are required (on top of your necessary travel documents - passport, ticket) to enter the UK as a visitor. They are:
   
   
   
   • a letter from your employer granting leave of absence from your job for a specified period. The letter should also say how long you have been employed by that employer, in what job(s) and should indicate when you are expected back at work;
     if you are self-employed, evidence of your business activities and financial standing;
   
   
   • evidence of any property you own in your home country;
   
   
   • if you are a student, a letter from your school or college stating which course you are on, its start and finish dates and the dates of the holiday period during which you intend to visit the United Kingdom;
   
   
   • it will also help if you can show that you have family or social ties and responsibilities to return to;
   
   
   • evidence of any firm travel plans you have made;
   
   
   • bank statements going back over a period of several months; and
   
   
   • evidence of savings available to you.

Well, before you leave, make sure you have satisfied most if not all of the above. It pays to be cautious. I have read of a few cases of Malaysians and non-Malaysians being denied entry because they didn't come prepared with the required documents. So... plan early and have a great holiday!

All smiles, no tears!