Why is immediate return advised for Malaysians in the US and UK?

Question

Accepted Answer

Immediate Return Advised for Malaysians in US and UK Due to Potential Travel Restrictions

Malaysians currently in the United States and the United Kingdom are strongly advised to return home immediately because of the potential for travel restrictions or lockdowns to be implemented, which could cease the availability of commercial flights. Such a scenario would necessitate complex government-to-government efforts for repatriation, contingent on strong bilateral ties. Furthermore, if the Malaysian government were required to charter flights to bring its citizens back, an estimated RM50 million would be needed, a significant sum that could otherwise be allocated to essential medical supplies.
Potential for Disruption of Commercial Travel

The primary reason for the urgent advice to return is the looming threat of travel restrictions or full lockdowns in the US and UK. If these measures are enacted, commercial flight options for Malaysians seeking to return home could be abruptly halted, leaving them stranded. This unpredictability underscores the need for proactive measures rather than waiting for a crisis.
Government-to-Government Repatriation Challenges

Should a lockdown occur, bringing Malaysians back would transition from a commercial arrangement to a matter requiring direct government-to-government intervention. The success of such operations hinges on the strength of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and these countries. Without established and robust bilateral ties, securing the necessary permissions and cooperation for repatriation flights would become significantly more challenging.
Substantial Financial Implications for Chartered Flights

The logistical and financial burden of repatriating citizens in a worst-case scenario is considerable. The government estimates that chartering flights to bring Malaysians back from the US and UK could incur costs exceeding RM50 million. This significant expenditure highlights the financial strain such an operation would place on national resources, resources that the Foreign Minister noted could otherwise be used for critical medical equipment and supplies.
Large Number of Malaysians in the US

The advice to return promptly is further amplified by the large number of Malaysians residing in the US, a figure described as "huge." This substantial population increases the complexity and potential scale of any repatriation effort. The high number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the US, exceeding 100,000 as of the report's date, also adds to the urgency and risk associated with remaining in the country.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why is immediate return advised for Malaysians in the US and UK?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends