ECR and Non-ECR Category in Indian Passport – A to Z Explained
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Have you ever applied for an Indian passport before? If yes, you surely would have come across terms like Emigration Check Required and non-Emigration Check Required. Usually, it comes as a question, “Are you eligible for the non-ECR category?” when filling out the passport form.
We understand that it can be confusing for many because we don’t really know what they mean. In this blog, we will guide you through every aspect of these terms and help you understand which category you belong to.
- Indian Passport - Understanding ECR and Non-ECR category
- What is ECR, and who is eligible?
- What is Non-ECR, and who is eligible for it?
- Documents required for Non-ECR category passport
- ECR v/s Non-ECR - Major Differences
- Which countries require ECR Passport clearance for work?
- How can you change from an ECR to a non-ECR Indian passport?
Indian Passport - Understanding ECR and Non-ECR category
Passports are travel documents issued by your country’s government that show your identity or nationality. Every country has its own passport, which is necessary for its citizens to travel to other countries.
In India, passports are of two varieties:
A. ECR - Emigration Check Required
B. Non-ECR - also known as ECNR - Emigration Check Not Required
Multiple factors, such as a person’s education, age, and marital status, determine the candidate's category. If you have an ECR passport, it will be shown by a notation/text/stamp on the passport.
What is ECR, and who is eligible?
ECR is for candidates who haven’t passed their 10th grade. It is a verification process that people go through to travel for work in other countries as low-wage workers.
The purpose behind showing ECR is to make sure that these low-wage workers or anyone with less education are not taken advantage of when they travel to other countries. People with ECR notation on their passports must get clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE), which checks them for their background and ensures the legality of their paperwork.
What is Non-ECR, and who is eligible?
If you have completed your formal education up to 10th or higher, you are eligible for a non-ECR passport. Such a passport is advantageous because the applicants do not have to undergo emigration checking and can travel easily and freely.
Also, if you meet any of the criteria below, then you can apply for a non-ECR.
Individuals of and above 50 years of age.
Minors below 18 years of age.
Income taxpayers with an established income source, spouses, and children.
Gazetted Government officers, their spouses, and children.
Individuals holding a Diploma in Polytechnic from any recognized institute.
Individuals holding a Diploma in Nursing under the Indian Nursing Council Act-1947.
Individuals having spent more than three years overseas.
Documents required for Non-ECR category passport
If you qualify for a non-ECR passport, then you must make sure that you have these documents:
10th Class Pass Certificate (Matriculation Pass Certificate).
If you have a Bachelor's or Master's degree, their corresponding certificate.
If you are above 50 years old, your proof of birth or supporting documents.
If you are under 18 years old, provide proof of your date of birth.
You must present a polytechnic diploma or certificate related to the same.
If you are a nurse, you need a nursing certificate.
Check the article Documents Required for Non-ECR Category Passport for a complete list of documents required based on the status of the individual.
ECR v/s Non-ECR - Major Differences
Which countries require ECR Passport clearance for work?
In compliance with the Emigration Act of 1983, holders of Indian passports falling under the ECR category who want to work abroad must get an Emigration Clearance from the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs Office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE). The list of such nations, as provided by the Indian Bureau of Immigration (BOI), is as follows:
Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, Syria, South Sudan, Qatar, Malaysia, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Oman, Kuwait, Libya, Sudan
How can you change from an ECR to a non-ECR Indian passport?
Changing your ECR passport to a non-ECR passport is no hassle. Here is a step-by-step guide to converting your passport.
Apply for a re-issuance of your passport by going to the Passport Seva page.
While filling out the form, click yes when “Are you eligible for the non-ECR category?” pops up and submit.
Finally, when you go to the passport office, you can submit all relevant documents required for a non-ECR applicant.
