Passport Agents in Chennai

What is a Passport?

The Indian passport is an essential travel document that allows Indian citizens to travel to foreign countries. It is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and is recognized as an important document for international travel.

Types of Passports

The blue passport: In India, the commoner is given a blue passport. The goal is to distinguish between persons in high positions and, as a result, the commoner.

The white passport: Among the different types of passports available in India, the white passport is the most respected and powerful. It is given to officials who are assigned to work in another country. The government of the particular country may be aware that the individual is a high-ranking government official.

The maroon passport: A maroon passport is the third form of passport commonly used in India. This passport is only given to elite government personnel. Traveling overseas does not require a visa for holders of a maroon passport. They also complete all immigration processes and requirements far more quickly than other passport holders.

The orange passport (under development): This type of passport will be introduced in India soon. This might be for persons who have completed more than ten years of education. As in India, this type of passport will be provided to the majority of the population. There are a few features that orange passports may lack in comparison to other passports. This could include the passport holder's father's name, permanent address, and a few other facts.

Passport Categories:

Passports in India are categorized into two types - ECR (Emigration Check Required) and ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required).

ECR and ECNR are passport categories in India that determine whether an individual needs to obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate before traveling to certain countries for employment. ECR passports are issued to individuals who have not completed their 10th standard education, while ECNR passports are issued to those who have completed 10th standard or higher. It is important to check the ECR/ECNR status on the passport and obtain the necessary clearance if required before traveling for employment.

It is important to note that the ECR/ECNR status is mentioned on the passport, and if an individual's educational qualifications change after obtaining an ECR passport, they can have it changed to ECNR by providing the necessary documentation.

ECR Passport: ECR Passports are issued to individuals who have not completed their 10th standard education and are traveling for employment opportunities in certain countries, as specified by the Government of India. The idea behind ECR is to ensure that individuals traveling abroad for work have the requisite skills and qualifications for the job and are not exploited in any way. ECR passport holders need to obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the Protector General of Emigrants before they can travel to certain countries for employment. This certificate verifies the ECR passport holder's credentials and ensures that they meet the qualifications for the job they are going to.

ECNR Passport: ECNR Passports, on the other hand, are issued to individuals who have completed their 10th standard education or higher and are not required to obtain an ECC for employment purposes. ECNR passport holders are free to travel to any country for employment or other purposes without the need for additional clearance.

Documents Required to Issue a Passport

To issue a passport in India, the following documents are required:

1. Proof of identity: Any one of the following documents can be submitted as proof of identity - Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving License, Government ID card, or a certificate of identity signed by an MLA or MP.

2. Proof of address: Any one of the following documents can be submitted as proof of address - Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Telephone Bill, or a certificate from a gazetted officer.

3. Date of birth proof: Any one of the following documents can be submitted as proof of date of birth - Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, or a certificate of identity signed by an MLA or MP.

4. Proof of employment: For ECR passport applicants, a proof of employment is required, which can be a job offer letter or appointment letter.

5. Old passport (if applicable): For passport renewal, the old passport needs to be submitted along with the new application.

6. Marriage certificate (if applicable): For married women, a marriage certificate or a joint affidavit with the spouse is required to change the name in the passport.

7. Divorce decree (if applicable): For divorced individuals, a divorce decree is required to change the name in the passport.

In addition to the above documents, passport applicants also need to provide two recent passport-sized photographs, which should be taken against a white background.

It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the type of passport being applied for and other factors, such as age and education qualifications. It is advisable to check the official website of the Passport Seva Kendra or consult with a passport agent to ensure that all the necessary documents are in order before submitting the passport application.

Passport Application Process

• Step 1: The Passport Seva Online Portal is where you can register and log in.
• Step 2: Use the Login ID created in Step 1 to access the Passport Seva Online Portal.
• Step 3: Fill out the form with the relevant information and submit it.
• Step 4: To arrange an appointment, go to the "View Saved/Submitted Applications" tab and click the "Pay and Schedule Appointment" option.
• Step 5: To print the application receipt with the Application Reference Number (ARN)/Appointment Number, click the "Print Application Receipt" link.
• Step 6: Take your original documents to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Regional Passport Office (RPO) where your appointment has been scheduled.