US State Department says decision due to national security concerns

Palestinian Authority leader's office expresses astonishment at visa decision, says it violates UN 'headquarters agreement'

The State Dept’s move to stop visitor visas for people from Gaza has been condemned by pro-Palestine groups

Among actions taken against those who violates Malaysia’s laws include pass cancellation, blacklisting, and deportation to the country of origin

LOS ANGELES, June 6 — United States President Donald Trump’s directive to ban citizens from 12 countries from entering the US exempts athletes, and Los Angeles Olympics (LA28) officials said yesterday that they are confident the Games have the full backing of the administration.

WASHINGTON, March 17 — The Trump administration is considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo seen by Reuters.

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 29 — Payments giant Visa and Elon Musk’s X are partnering to offer direct payment solutions to customers of the social media app, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters yesterday.

BANGKOK, Jan 21 — Thailand’s visa waiver programme for Chinese nationals has come under scrutiny after the high-profile alleged kidnapping of a Chinese actor and similar crimes stoked worries over tourism and security.

HONG KONG, Dec 17 — China announced today a relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travellers to 240 hours, or 10 days, from the original 72-144 hours, as authorities aim to lure more foreign visitors.

VIENTIANE, Oct 10 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia has requested a reciprocal waiver on visas with Canada.

CANBERRA, Oct 3 — The number of visa applications by international students to study in Australia has fallen by half following a government crackdown to reduce the country’s migrant intake, reported Xinhua.

WASHINGTON, Sept 25 — Visa shares took a hit yesterday after the US Justice Department filed a suit accusing it of violating antitrust law by suppressing competition by threatening merchants with high fees and paying off potential rivals.

NEW DELHI, Sept 10 — Pakistan has abolished visa fees for Malaysian citizens visiting the country for business, tourism, or going to Sikh pilgrimage sites.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 — Tourism Malaysia, which is making its 15th consecutive appearance at the 17th Tehran International Tourism Exhibition (TITEX), aims to cultivate significant business partnerships and collaborations throughout the region and increase tourist arrivals to the country, particularly from Iran.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 — The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) aims to generate RM2.4 billion in revenue from the health tourism sector this year, which is expected to contribute an economic spillover to other industries of about RM9.6 billion.

ISTANBUL, Dec 6 — Beijing on Tuesday announced that its visa-free entry programme for six nations has yielded "positive results," with an increase in the number of people entering Chinese territory since early December.

SEREMBAN, Dec 5 — There were more foreign tourists arriving at several airports throughout the country in the past few days following the government’s move on 30-day visa exemption for visitors from China and India from Dec 1.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 — The winding up of the debate on the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill will be the focus of the last day of the Third Meeting of the Second Term of the 15th Parliament today.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his assurance that the aspect of national security will not be neglected, following the government's recent announcement regarding visa exemption for several countries.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — The 30-day visa exemption for travellers from China and India to Malaysia as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, will certainly boost the tourism industry.