visa-free entry

Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia have recently implemented visa-free entry policies for foreign visitors. This initiative was largely introduced post-Covid-19 pandemic with the primary aim of revitalizing their tourism, property, and investment sectors, which were significantly impacted by the global health crisis. However, these visa-free policies are now intertwined with a growing regional crackdown on illegal businesses operated by foreigners. Countries are experiencing a backlash from local populations due to scandals involving foreign lawbreakers, including illegal business operations and land ownership. This has led to increased scrutiny and enforcement actions, as seen in Malaysia's recent order to tackle illegal foreign-owned firms. The current relevance lies in the dual impact of these policies: while visa-free entry aims to attract legitimate visitors and investors, the rise in illicit activities by some foreigners is creating public resentment and prompting governments to balance economic benefits with national security and legal compliance.