ECR Countries like Some Middle East and South East countries are risky for workers because there are higher chances of exploitation. So if you have ECR passport you need to go through extra emigration check. The only goal is to protect workers from exploitation in ECR passport allowed countries
Basically, there are 2 types of passports – ECR and NON ECR
- Non ECR Passport – You will have this if you completed your 10th standard
- ECR Passport – If your qualification is below 10th standard you will get this ECR Catrgoty passport
In case, you are going to these ECR countries just for fun or vacation you do not need to go through extra emigration check.
What Is ECR?
ECR stands for “Emigration Check Required”. “Emigrate” means to migrate to other countries for work. As per the Emigration Act, 1983, Emigration Check Required (ECR) categories of Indian passport holders are required to obtain the Emigration Clearance from the office of Protector of Emigrants (POE).
It applies to some countries where extra government approval is required before you can go for employment there. So, if you have a passport in ECR category, and you want to work in any of those 17 countries, you need to get extra approval from Indian authorities before going.
The rules are made just to protect workers’ rights and safety when employed in these 17 ECR Passport allowed countries. It is said that Indian citizens who are having low educational qualifications are subjected to domestic violence in foreign countries. So, the Government of India has introduced very strict norms to safeguard Indians living abroad and help them overcome such situations.
ECR Countries
As per the Indian Bureau of Immigration (BOI), below is the list of 17 ECR countries:
- Afghanistan
- Bahrain
- Iraq
- Indonesia
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Jordan
- Libya
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Sudan
- Syria
- Thailand
- UAE and
- Yemen
As of now, there is a ban on emigration to Iraq.
Who can apply for ECR Passport?
If you haven’t passed your 10th grade or don’t have certificates for the same, then you have to undergo an emigration check. And your passport will fall under the ECR category.
If the passport applicant has not completed his 10th grade or has completed but does not have all the necessary documents for SSC (staff selection commission) and children under the 15 years of age get default. And, Indians who are traveling to any foreign country on a visa other than job or employment visa can also apply under the ECR category by opting the ECR option while filling out the Passport Online Application Form.
Documents For ECR Passport Allowed Countries
The mandatory documents that you need to submit are address proofs, annexures and any emergency proofs (if required). The above mentioned documents are must while applying for the ECR passport. Educational qualification certificate is not necessary.
Check out: What precautions to follow if going to ECR countries for work
Documents you need at the airport if going to ECR Countries
- Valid Passport
- Valid visit/residence/study visa etc.
- Return Ticket
Do carry these documents along with you when you are packing your bag for ECR countries
Documents to carry with you when going ECR Country
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Valid visa (matches your job category)
- Copies of your passport and visa
- Employment contract (signed by you and employer, attested by recruiting agent)
- Employment contract copy in English (authenticated by recruiting agent)
And, N.R.E. savings account in an Indian bank –
How to check ECR status in Indian passport online?
If you do not pass class 10th and declare your qualification during applying for the passport, then you will come in ECR categories. To check ECR status in Indian Passport online, one stamp will be inside your passport, and Emigration Check Required is written there.
What to select for ECR question in Indian passport application form?
If you want to fill the Indian Passport Application Form for ECR (Emigration Check Required), you need to fill that with full concentration. You will come across with this question: “ Is applicant eligible for Non ECR Category?” As described above, if you have NOT passed 10th standard and want to migrate in any of the ECR Passport allowed countries, then you would need to select NO.
Emigration Abroad for Employment
Emigration act, 1983 provides that no citizen of India shall migrate unless he obtains emigration clearance from Protector of Emigrants. Similarly, it has been recognized that certain ECR countries do not have strict laws regulating the entry and employment of foreign national.
Hence, If your passport is in ECR countries, you need government permission to work in 17 specific countries. But you don’t need emigration clearance if you’re visiting an ECR country for tourism, study or any other reason. And remember if your passport doesn’t say ECR, you’re automatically in Non ECR Passport category
How to remove emigration check required Indian passport
Non ECR Category in Passport: ECNR Passport
Documents Required for Non ECR passport
FAQs
Is migration clearance required for tourism and fun travel with an ECR passport?
You do not need Emigration Clearance for ECR passport allowed countries. If you are going for the tour or visiting your friend- all you have to do is provide a valid passport, visa and return ticket at the immigration countries at international airports in India.
I have selected ECR by mistake in Application online. What should I do now?
You need to apply for reissue of passport. Go the the Passport Sewa > Choose Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport > Select Reissue of Passport > Choose Change in Existing Personal Particulars > choose Delete ECR >Select Normal > choose no. of pages of passport booklet > Fill in the details > choose Yes in - Is applicant eligible for Non ECR Category > Click Next
How to tell if your passport is ECR or ECNR?
To check your passport if it is ECR or ECNR you have to check last page of your passport. Locate your Father/Guardian Name - there either you will notice stamp of ECR or you will find Emigration Check Required is written there. That means you have an ECR passport. If not then you have Non - ECR Passport
Can you convert your ECR into a Non-ECR passport?
To convert your ECR into Non ECR you need to apply for reissue of passport. Go the the Passport Sewa > Choose Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport > Select Reissue of Passport > Choose Change in Existing Personal Particulars > choose Delete ECR >Select Normal > choose no. of pages of passport booklet > Fill in the details > choose Yes in - Is applicant eligible for Non ECR Category > Click Next
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