IPOH, MALAYSIA: The British High Commission will conduct a campaign in September to explain to Malaysians the risks involved in overstaying in Britain.

High Commissioner William Boyd McCleary said the campaign would target travel agents, those in the restaurant business and those who advise others on going overseas.

"We need to make clear to people that if they are looking for work in restaurants (in Britain), they will need a visa.

"If you do not have a visa or if you overstay, you will be repatriated, and the Malaysian and British governments will impose penalties on you," he told reporters yesterday after paying a courtesy call on Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin at the State Secretariat here.

McCleary said that while Britain did not have problems with Malaysians visiting the country, there were those who breached conditions.

It was reported recently that Malaysians visiting Britain might, by the year-end, need to obtain a visa if more irresponsible Malaysians continue to abuse their entry permits and overstay.

The British Home Office has put Malaysia on the watch list and the Malaysian Government, concerned with the situation, has appealed to Britain to not impose the measure.

If Britain decides to go ahead with the visa requirement, there is a possibility that other European Union countries will follow suit.

McCleary also said that the British Government had a good relationship with the new and previous state governments in Malaysia.

"We do business with the government of the day and we do not make distinction between the government and opposition," he added.

On the courtesy call, Nizar said issues like how to enhance bilateral relations and increase investments, particularly in high-tech industries, education, trade, goods and services, were discussed.