KOTA KINABALU: The Australian couple denied entry to Sabah last week for breaching certain immigration laws will be permitted to return to the state once the restriction period expires, says the Immigration Department.
State director Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof emphasised that there was no room for misunderstanding in this case, despite claims of confusion.
“There is no concept of misunderstanding in this matter. I must stress that the Australian couple were denied entry because they failed to comply with procedures and regulations under the Immigration Act 1959/63,” she said when contacted.
“However, they may re-enter Malaysia once the required 30-day cooling-off period concludes,” she added.
Sitti explained that the couple were initially issued with a Not-To-Land (NTL) notice on Oct 25. The notice, along with their passports, was handed to the airline they travelled with on the same day.
“This NTL notice was also issued to the couple and endorsed on the back of their passports. Therefore, they were fully aware of this notice,” she said.
She clarified that the Denial of Entry notice (NPM) and NTL are valid for only 30 days. Once the period expires, the couple may return to Malaysia provided they comply with all terms and conditions, as well as adhere to the country’s laws.
These requirements include presenting valid return tickets to their country of origin and confirming that they are not on the immigration blacklist, Sitti added.
While confirming that the couple are not blacklisted in the immigration database, she warned they could face blacklisting if they commit the same offence again.
The issue first gained attention when the couple, John Joseph Gorton, 78, and his wife, Noel Gail Gorton, 80, shared their confusion and disappointment with the media.
They were reportedly surprised to be denied entry to Sabah and detained in an Immigration Department holding room at Kota Kinabalu International Airport after arriving from Manila on Nov 17.
The couple were ordered to return to Manila on Nov 18, sparking concerns that they might be blacklisted or permanently barred from entering Malaysia.
Asked if Noel was aware she had not been blacklisted and that they could return to Sabah after the 30-day cooling-off period, she said they had not been informed by the Australian consulate.
She expressed hope for returning to Sabah and enthusiasm for engaging in charity and tourism-related activities in the future.
John had served as the “Director of Racing” at the Royal Sabah Turf Club for nearly a decade until December 2021, when he declined the Covid-19 vaccine.
“I said I was more than willing to take ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine, both approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). I also carry an exemption card from the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Control Group – all to no avail,” he said.
