However, the significant hike in the financial requirements for both applicants and existing participants came as a shock. Another blow for applicants is the halving of the duration of the MM2H programme’s long-term social visit pass to five years, from 10 previously. What most found unfair was the fact that the new ruling also applies to existing participants whose passes have ended or will end. While it is understandable that the government wants to attract participants of real quality to retire in Malaysia, drastic changes such as these will drive them away. Already, some existing participants are considering moving back to their home country.
