Non ECR Category in Passport: ECNR Passport

In India, there are two types of passports: ECR and Non-ECR. ECR passports need extra checks before you can travel abroad. The difference between ECR category and Non-ECR category in passports depends on things like how much education you have, what job you do and other special rules. So it is important to understand Non-ECR category of passport and the documents required for non ECR passport.

What is NON ECR category in Passport

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?” But before we answer that, let’s clarify what a Non-ECR passport is.

What is Non ECR Passport?

The Non-ECR category in an Indian passport means Emigration Check Not Required. If your passport says Non-ECR, it means you do not need special clearance from Protector of Emigrants (POE) before you travel abroad for work.

In simple words, Non-ECR passport allows you to travel freely to other countries, especially for jobs, without extra emigration checks. People who have Non-ECR passports usually don’t see any stamp or note about “ECR” on their passport pages. This is because their status is already marked as exempt in the passport system.

So, Should You Choose Yes or No in NON ECR Category?

If you are from any of those categories, you can choose “Yes” for the Non-ECR category. Remember – you will by default be in Non ECR  category in Passport if you have passed your 10th grade. 

Why do you need to know Non-ECR status?

If you plan to work or live abroad especially in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar, your passport category matters a lot. If you have right category of passport it will save time and prevent travel issues. Here’s why your Non-ECR status is important:

• No need to visit the POE office for emigration clearance.
• Many employers prefer candidates with Non-ECR passports.
• Easier visa and immigration process when leaving India.

ECR vs Non ECR  Indian Passport

Non ECR Category in Passport allows you to travel to or work in any of the 18 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 18 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. Jordan
6. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
7. Kuwait
8. Libya
9. Lebanon
10. Malaysia
11. Oman
12. Qatar
13. South Sudan
14. Sudan
15. Syria
16. Thailand
17. UAE
18. Yemen

Trending: ECR Countries 

Who is eligible for Non-ECR Passport?

You are eligible for a Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport if you meet any one of the official conditions listed by the Government of India.
You only need to match one of the points below to qualify for the Non-ECR category. If you fall into any of these groups, you can apply for a Non-ECR passport and do not need emigration clearance before traveling abroad for work.

• Anyone who has passed Class 10 or studied beyond that (like 12th, diploma, graduation, or post-graduation) comes under the Non-ECR category.
• People who are 50 years or older automatically qualify.
• Children below 18 years also get Non-ECR status, though it needs to be updated when they become adults.
• Those with a professional degree such as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, or journalists or a 2–3 year government-recognized diploma are eligible too.
• Gazetted government employees, as well as their spouses or dependent children, are included.
• Anyone who pays income tax (even agricultural income tax) in their own name qualifies, and their spouse and minor children are also covered.
• People who have lived abroad for more than three years, either at once or in separate trips, can apply under the Non-ECR category.
• Holders of Diplomatic or Official passport are already considered Non-ECR.

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 

Category	Documents Required
All Applicants	Address Proof
Matriculates (10th Pass) & Above Education	Matriculation/Degree Certificate
Professionals (Doctors, Engineers, CAs etc.)	Professional Degree Certificate
Age 50 Years & Above	Birth Certificate OR School Leaving/Transfer Certificate
Children Below 18 Years	Birth Certificate
Income Tax Payers	Last 1 Year IT Returns & Tax Paid Proof  PAN Card Copy
Vocational/Diploma Holders	Certificate from NCVT, SCVT, Polytechnic etc
Nurses	Nursing Qualification Certificate under Indian Nursing Council Act
Stayed Abroad Over 3 Years	Old Passport Copies Showing 3+ Years Stay
Seamen	Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)
Permanent Residency Visa Holders	Copy of PR/Immigration Visa
For Spouses	Marriage Certificate
For Children	Birth Certificate OR School Leaving/Transfer Certificate

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

Also Read: Passport Lost

How to Check Ecr and Non Ecr Passport

It’s easy to confirm your status, to find out if your passport is ECR or Non-ECR

1. look inside your passport:
   • If you see the words “Emigration Check Required” printed or stamped, your passport is ECR.
   • If there’s no such stamp or line, it means your passport is Non-ECR (ECNR).
2. Check online:
   • Log in to the Passport Seva portal.
   • Open your passport details section.
   • The ECR/Non-ECR status will be listed there.

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:

• Visit the Passport Seva website. Log in to your account on the Passport Seva Online Portal.
• Choose the option “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport”.
• Select “Re-issue of Passport”.
• Under Re- issue of passport > Choose “Change in Existing Personal Particulars” > choose “Delete ECR”
• Select “Normal” and then choose either “36 Pages” or “60 Pages” passport booklet.
• Fill in all the required personal details carefully.
• Make sure in -” Is applicant eligible for Non ECR Category” you choose Yes
• 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.

FAQs

Who is eligible for the Non-ECR category of passports in India?

Anyone who has already completed 10th grade or higher education can have Non ECR category in Passport.

For my passport application, should I select Yes or No for the question Is applicant eligible for Non-ECR Category?

Select yes, if you have cleared 10th standard or above. Also if you file IT return , you can apply for ECNR passport.

What are the countries that need ECNR stamping on passport while going for employment?

The countries which needs ECNR stamping while going for employment are : Afghanistan, Bahrain, Brunei, Iraq, Indonesia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Libya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, UAE, Yemen.

How do I know if I am Non ECR?

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.

If you want to apply for passport, you can book order online. For any query or concern please speak to one of our relationship manager over phone or chat. You can also write to us. We will get back to you.