RAMIFICATIONS ABOUNDIn 2006, the then-10 ASEAN member states signed the Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption to strengthen regional ties and deepen cooperation among countries in the bloc. Timor-Leste, which formally joined ASEAN in October 2025, is not yet a signatory, although it already grants visa-free entry to citizens of several ASEAN countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.“Undoing this agreement could upset relations among ASEAN members particularly if Indonesia or Malaysia are targeting people of certain nationalities,” said Trubus.The public policy expert noted that Malaysia and China currently have a reciprocal visa exemption agreement which allows citizens of both countries visa-free entry for…