Non ECR Category in Passport: ECNR Passport

When you fill in the passport application, you may come across the terms ECR and Non ECR. It’s confusing. What exactly is Non ECR category in passport seva? If you have a 10th standard certificate you are in Non – ECR category. And if your qualification is not up to the 10th standard you are in the ECR category. In India, there are two main categories of passport:

• ECR (Emigration Check Required) and
• Non-ECR (Non- Non-Emigration Check Required)

What is NON ECR category in Passport Seva?

Non-ECR category in Passport Seva means you do not need government permission to travel to certain countries for work or employment. While applying for passport through Passport Seva – we have seen the most frequently asked question is “Should I select Non ECR category yes or no?”

So, if you have completed your 10th you can choose yes.  Remember – you will by default be in Non ECR  category in Paspsort if you have passed your 10th grade. 

Besides that some additional groups of people who are automatically in the ECNR category passport:

•  Diplomatic / Official Passports and their family members
• Gazetted Government servants and their family members
• Income tax payers
• Professional degree holders –  Doctors  Engineers; Chartered Accountants; Lecturers; Teachers; Scientists; Advocates etc.
• If someone has permanent immigration Visas – such as visa of UK, USA  & Australia.
• People over 50 years old
• People who lived abroad for more than 3 years (and their spouses)
• Children under 18 (with parents)
• Qualified nurses (recognized by Indian Nursing Council)
• People with a valid 2-3 year diploma from recognized institution

ECR vs Non ECR  Indian Passport

Non ECR Category in Passport allows you to travel to or work in any of the 17 countries. Emigration check is not required for you.

The ECR category is for those who have higher chance of exploitation in other countries during work. This is because of lack of awareness and lower education levels. So, our govt. make sure they don’t face any issue. That’s why ECR Passport requires emigration clearance if you need to work in 17 specific countries (listed below). Also, if you have ECR passport, you will see ECR stamp on your passport.

These countries are:

1.  Afghanistan
2. Bahrain
3. Iraq
4. Indonesia
5. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
6. Kuwait, Jordan
7. Libya
8. Lebanon
9. Malaysia
10. Oman
11. Qatar
12. Sudan
13. Syria
14. Thailand
15. UAE
16. Yemen

Trending: ECR Countries 

Documents required for Non ECR category in Passport

If you are in Non ECR Category in passport what documents you will need? Here are the lists of documents required for NON – ECR Passport 

Additional Notes:

• For All Official/ Diplomatic Passport holders: You will not require any other documents besides your Diplomatic passport.
• For government employees, an Identity Certificate or No Objection Certificate may be required

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How to Check Ecr and Non Ecr Passport

To find out if your passport is ECR or Non-ECR, look at the last page where your father’s/guardian’s name is written. If there is a stamp that says “Emigration Check Required,” then you have an ECR passport. Otherwise, you have Non-ECR passport.

Convert ECR Passport to NON ECR passport

Converting an ECR passport to an ECNR passport is required if you are no longer seeking employment in the Middle Eastern countries or have the required documents to get Non ECR Category in Passport.

How to convert your ECR Passport to Non ECR in Passport? When applying for a re-issue, you can change your ECR passport to a Non ECR Category in Passport.

The step-by-step process of converting your passport is given below:

Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva website. Log in to your account on the Passport Seva Online Portal.

Step 2: Choose the option “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport”.

Step 3: Select “Re-issue of Passport”.

Step 4: Under Re- issue of passport > Choose “Change in Existing Personal Particulars” > choose “Delete ECR”

Step 5: Select “Normal” and then choose either “36 Pages” or “60 Pages” passport booklet.

Step 6: Fill in all the required personal details carefully.

Step 7: Make sure in -” Is applicant eligible for Non ECR Category” you choose Yes

Step 8: Click “Next” to proceed.

After submitting your passport to the passport office, you will get your updated passport (from ECR to ECNR) within seven to ten working days.

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