he was told by fellow detainees in the hotel/hospital there is maybe a special extension available but I see he's too late for that. Thank you for the information I hope it does not affect his future trips back here.
how about getting all your necessary paperwork in order. Making sure you have the correct size passport photos before you head to immigration ? Your not talking down to some inexperienced numpty you know.
It's actually cheaper for us in the UK (£30) to get the tourist visa plus like others have said your not messing about for a couple of days getting an extension for the visa exempt