I'm retired with a government pension from Sweden. I have always been able to obtain a multiple non immigrant visa, class O, from the Penang consulate. A week ago I got only a single, despite my protests and despite showing all relevant paperwork (incl. earlier granted visas). Since my pension is quite low, and I'm also unmarried, I can´t apply for yearly extensions (800.000 per year or the monthly equivalence), hence the necessary multiple entries visas.

(When I tried to obtain a triple tourist visa they would give me only a single entry.)

Anyone who knows about policy changes regarding multiple visas, both non immigrant and tourist?

Regards,

Bertil

I'm retired with a government pension from Sweden. I have always been able to obtain a multiple non immigrant visa, class O, from the Penang consulate. A week ago I got only a single, despite my protests and despite showing all relevant paperwork (incl. earlier granted visas). Since my pension is quite low, and I'm also unmarried, I can´t apply for yearly extensions (800.000 per year or the monthly equivalence), hence the necessary multiple entries visas.

(When I tried to obtain a triple tourist visa they would give me only a single entry.)

Anyone who knows about policy changes regarding multiple visas, both non immigrant and tourist?

Regards,

Bertil

Hi Bertil,

in July I went to KL and they were still issuing multiple entry Visas, I've got one, right now maybe they become restrictive too in issuances...

Good Luck, Siriam

I'm retired with a government pension from Sweden. I have always been able to obtain a multiple non immigrant visa, class O, from the Penang consulate. A week ago I got only a single, despite my protests and despite showing all relevant paperwork (incl. earlier granted visas). Since my pension is quite low, and I'm also unmarried, I can´t apply for yearly extensions (800.000 per year or the monthly equivalence), hence the necessary multiple entries visas.

(When I tried to obtain a triple tourist visa they would give me only a single entry.)

Anyone who knows about policy changes regarding multiple visas, both non immigrant and tourist?

Regards,

Bertil

I do not mean to come across as churlish, but I am surprised that you have “always been able to obtain a multiple non immigrant visa, class O, from the Penang consulate”.

I am assuming you have applied in the past on the grounds of retirement.

You therefore have been given the opportunity to obtain an annual extension many times, yet you have not taken up the option.

From the authorities’ point of view, they may regard you as having played the system and have now put a stop to it.

There are many who can qualify financially for a ‘Retirement Visa’, but of course they have the burden of relative youth on their side which means they are ineligible.

I very much doubt there will be an outpouring of sympathy from them as regards your situation...

The requirement for a retirement extension of stay is 800k in a bank account. You do not need to have that much income per year. You can also use your Embassy verified income to offset the full 800k requirement such as income 40k per month 40x12=480 plus bank account of 320k should do it.

Although I knew Penang was providing those over age 50 a multi entry thought that it required a substantial bank account proof. Did you provide any bank information?

In the past there was enough to just submit my pension letter and a translation from my embassy.

However, I was prepared this time with bank statements, showing funds coming from abroad into my Thai bank account.

Even then it wouldn´t work.

Bertil