ECR Passport Allowed Countries

Some Middle East and Southeast Asian countries are ECR countries because Indian workers face higher risk of exploitation there. If you have ECR passport and plan to work in any of those countries, you need to go through extra process of emigration check. All other countries are known as ECR passport allowed countries meaning you don’t need any emigration clearance to travel there for work

There are 2 types of passport – ECR and ECNR

• ECNR Passport – If your education is 10th or above, you will get ECNR passport
• ECR Passport – If your qualification is below 10th standard you will get ECR Category 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 procedure.

What Is ECR

ECR means Emigration Check Required. ECR is a category in Indian passport that applies to people who need permission from the Protector of Emigrants before they can work in some foreign countries.

What is the purpose of ECR

Indian citizens with little education often face problems like violence in other countries. So, the Indian Government made strict rules to help Indians living abroad and keep them safe. So, the Government introduced ECR to protect Indians living abroad and help them in tough times.

Why is ECR necessary

ECR is required for Indian citizens who want to work in 18 ECR countries that need extra government approval. This is to protect workers’ rights and safety, especially for those with low educational qualifications who may face domestic violence or exploitation abroad.

Who can apply for ECR Passport

If you haven’t passed your 10^th 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 10^th 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.

How to get Emigration Clearance

If you have an ECR passport and a job offer in one of the above countries, you must apply for Emigration Clearance using the eMigrate portal. The approval is given by the PoE office.

If you are going through recruiting agent:

1. Your registered recruiting agent will apply for the clearance online for you.
2. They will upload the required documents : your passport, employment contract, and employer’s demand letter/power of attorney
3. The PoE office will check your application and gives the emigration clearance.

If you are going without any agent:

1. You or your foreign employer can apply on the eMigrate portal.
2. You need to upload passport (valid for at least six months), employment contract, visa, insurance under the Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) where applicable
3. The PoE office may call you for a short interview before giving the clearance.

Documents For ECR Passport Allowed Countries

If you are applying for an ECR passport to travel to the ECR countries for employment, you need to submit some mandatory documents i.e., address proofs, annexures, emergency documents. You do not need to submit your educational certificates to apply for an ECR passport.

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 did not pass Class 10 and mentioned this while applying for your passport, you will get ECR passport.

You can check you ECR status directly in your physical passport

• If it says “Emigration Check Required” you have ECR passport
• If there is no such thing then you don’t need emigration clearance

Emigration Abroad for Employment

The Emigration Act, 1983 says that Indian citizens needs to get emigration clearance from the PoE before they can work in some ECR countries. These countries are called ECR countries because their worker protection laws are not very strong. The clearance makes sure that Indian workers get safe jobs and are not exploited abroad. If your passport has ECR written on it, you have to get government approval before working in any of the 18 ECR countries.

You do not need Emigration Clearance if you are visiting those countries for:

• Tourism or vacation
• Studying
• Business meetings
• Visiting friends or family

And remember, if your passport doesn’t say ECR, it means you have a 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 emigration 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 counters at international airports in India.

I have selected ECR category by mistake in the online application . What should I do now?

If you have selected ECR category by mistake in the online application then there can be 3 scenarios :

• Application in draft stage – open your draft application and simply select the ECNR category.
• Application submitted but fees not paid – ignore the old application.Fill out a new application and select the correct ECNR category.
• Fees already paid – You need to visit PSK.
  • Explain the mistake to the passport officer
  • Show supporting documents for ECNR.
  • The officer will correct the category in your application.

How to tell if your passport is ECR or ECNR?

To know your passport type

1. Open the last page of your passport.
2. Look for the words “Emigration Check Required”
   • If it is written, you have an ECR passport
   • If it is not written, you have Non-ECR (ECNR) passport

Can ECR passport holders travel anywhere?

Yes, ECR passport holders can travel anywhere for tourism, study or business trips.

• You only need valid passport and visa.
• Emigration clearance is only required if you plan to work in the 18 ECR countries.
• Most other countries (like the US, UK, Australia, and EU nations) do not require EC even for employment.

Which countries require ECR clearance for work?

The Indian government made this rule to protect citizens from exploitation in countries with less strict labor laws.

18 ECR countries where you must get Emigration Clearance for employment

Gulf Countries –

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Bahrain

Other ECR Countries – Afghanistan, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Yemen

Can I go to Dubai with ECR passport?

Yes, but rules depend on your purpose:

• For work – you need get emigration clearance from India before leaving.
• For tourism or visit – No EC is required. You just need to have valid passport and visa.

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.