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

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?

A Non-ECR category is a type of passport that allows you to travel to some countries for work or employment without requirement of emigration clearance from the government. To be eligible for a Non-ECR passport, you must have completed your 10th standard or higher education. This means you have a certain level of education and awareness, and the government trusts you to take care of yourself in foreign countries.

So this means, if you have a Non-ECR passport, you have more freedom to travel and work abroad without needing permission from the government.

Additional Groups Eligible for Non-ECR Category

Besides 10th standard qualification, the following groups are also eligible for the Non-ECR category of 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

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 Passpsort if you have passed your 10th grade. 

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 

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

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:

• 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.

Also Read: Passport for seniors citizen

 

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.

Frequently Asked Question

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 your 10th standard certifications.

What are the countries that need ECR passports?

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.