Non ECR Category in Passport: ECNR Passport

In India, there are two types of passports: ECR and Non-ECR. ECR passports needs extra check 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 – you get the option in the application form ” are you eligible for ECNR passport”. Before we answer that, let’s understand what is Non-ECR passport.

Non ECR Passport

A Non-ECR passport is a category of passport that allows you to travel to middle east 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, if you have a Non-ECR passport, you have more freedom to travel and work abroad without needing permission from the government.

Additional People Eligible for Non-ECR Category Passport

Besides 10th standard qualification, following people 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

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 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. ECR Passport requires emigration clearance if you need to work in 18 specific countries (listed below).

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 Passport

Following are the list 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

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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.

How to Convert ECR Passport to NON ECR passport

The step by step procedure of converting your passport from ECR to Non ECR is :

• Visit the Passport Seva website. Log in to your account on the Passport Seva Online Portal.
• Choose the option “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
• Complete the application form & submit it
• Pay requisite passport fees & schedule appointment
• Visit Passport seva kendra for document verification & biometric
• Passport police verification
• Issue of passport

You will get your updated passport (from ECR to ECNR) in approx. 1 month time.

Also Read: Passport for seniors citizen

FAQs

 

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

Anyone who has completed 10th standard or higher education is eligible for Non ECR 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 are eligible 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 my passport is of Non ECR category?

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.

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