ECNR Passport: What is the difference between ECR and ECNR Passports

If it is about traveling abroad, then a passport is a must! The most important travel document is issued by the government of India on the basis of educational qualification, age, and some other factors. 

Once we are aware that how significant a passport is, it is crucial to know the different categories of passports. Two categories of Indian passports are:

1. ECR
2. ECNR or non-ECR passport 

ECR Passport

ECR (Emigration Check Required) Passports are required by Indians who wish to travel to certain countries for employment. As per the Emigration Act of 1983, certain passport holders will have to procure an Emigration Clearance from the office of POE or Protector of Emigrants prior to traveling to certain countries.

If there is no notation in the passport for passports issued before January 2007, it is an ECR passport.

People who have not done their matriculation or do not possess certificates proving the same, have to undergo an emigration check. The idea behind this is to ensure the safety of Indian citizens. An emigration check prevents people who have a low educational qualification from being exploited. 

ECNR Passport

ECNR passport stands from Emigration Check Not Required passport. It is meant for those individuals who have cleared their matriculation. People falling under this category need not go through an emigration clearance at the counter. 

Eligibility for ECNR Passport

Certain categories that are eligible for ECNR passport are: 

1. People who have cleared their matriculation and have all the valid documents.
2. People of 50 and above years of age.
3. People who have a Diploma in Polytechnic from any recognized institution.
4. People who have a Diploma in Nursing under the Indian Nursing Council Act-1947.
5. An income tax payer’s child or spouse.
6. Children below the age of 18. 

Documents required for ECNR Passport

Check the following documents to get an ECNR passport

1. Original passport
2. Address proof
3. 300rs as a fee.
4. Filled form EAP-2
5. 2 copies of the passport’s first 4 and last 4 pages.
6. 2 attested copies of any of the above-mentioned criteria. 

How to Apply for an ECNR passport

Follow these simple steps to apply for an ECNR passport:

1. Get the miscellaneous form (EAP-2) and fill it in carefully.
2. You can submit the form personally or through a representative or via a recognized post. 

How to Convert ECR to non-ECR

1. Go to passport.gov.in and log in. Go to the miscellaneous service to get the application.
2. Continue with the Emigration Check Required deletion request.
3. Two copies of your college diploma, as well as your class 10th and 12th graduation certificates, are required. These verified copies should be attached. Also, make sure to include proof of address, such as a ration card or voter ID.
4. The cost will be in the amount of Rs. 300.
5. Submit the current passport, as well as photocopies of the first four and last four pages of the passport.
6. Submit the form together with the needed papers to the nearest passport office.

Non-ECR exemption list

The following categories need not avail emigration check: 

1. Official and diplomatic passport holders
2. Income taxpayers
3. Gazetted government officers, their children, and their mates.
4. People holding professional degrees such as engineers, doctors, etc.
5. People who have completed matriculation and above.
6. People who have visas for permanent immigration like visas for the following countries- UK, USA, and Australia.
7. People aged 50 years and above
8. Children under 18 years of age with one or both parents
9. People who have diploma degree from a recognized institution
10. People who have lived overseas for 3 years

Countries that fall under ECR categories

18 countries make it mandatory to have an ECR passport. They are as follows:

1. Afghanistan
2. Bahrain
3. Brunei
4. Kuwait
5. Indonesia
6. Iraq ( emigration banned)
7. Jordan
8. Lebanon
9. Libya
10. Malaysia
11. Oman
12. Qatar
13. Sudan
14. Syria
15. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
16. Thailand
17. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
18. Yemen 

Difference between ECR and non-ECR Passport Holder

If you are a non-ECR passport holder, you are not required to undergo an emigration check at the counter. However, if you have an ECR stamp on your passport, you will have to undergo the procedure. 

Frequently asked questions ECR and non-ECR Passport

Q1- How do I know if my passport is ECR or ECNR?

To know whether your passport is ECR or non-ECR, you need to check the stamp on your passport ( old booklet type). In case it is a non-ECR passport, it will not contain the ECR stamp.

Similarly, if you have a new type of passport booklet, just above the name of your father or guardian, ‘Emigration Check Required’ will be written.

Or, if your passport does not have stamping or printing of ECR status, then it is a non-ECR (ECNR) passport. 

Q2- How to change ECR to non-ECR in Indian passport?

• Go to passport.gov.in and log in. Go to the miscellaneous service to get the application.
• Continue with the Emigration Check Required deletion request.
• Two copies of your college diploma, as well as your class 10th and 12th graduation certificates, are required. These verified copies should be attached. Also, make sure to include proof of address, such as a ration card or voter ID.
• The cost will be in the amount of Rs. 300.
• Submit the current passport, as well as photocopies of the first four and last four pages of the passport.
• Submit the form together with the needed papers to the nearest passport office.

Q3- What should I upload in non-ECR proof?

You can upload any of the following documents as ECNR proof: 

• Degree Certificate
• Matriculation/StateBoard – 10th Marksheet
• Higher Secondary – 12th Marksheet

Q4- Who is eligible for the non-ECR category in the passport?

The following categories qualify for the ECNR category: 

• Children below the age of 18. 
• An income tax payer’s child or spouse.
• People who have a Diploma in Nursing under the Indian Nursing Council Act-1947.
• People who have a Diploma in Polytechnic from any recognized institution.
• People of 50 and above years of age.
• People who have cleared their matriculation and have all the valid documents.

Q5- Is the 10th mark sheet a non-ECR proof?

Yes, people who have cleared their matriculation and have the mark sheet can use it as proof to get an ECNR passport. 

Q7- In case Indian passport holders wish to travel to the above-mentioned countries for leisure or a purpose other than employment, is an ECR stamp required?

No, an ECR stamp is required only for employment purposes. The reason behind this is to protect undereducated citizens from getting exploited in foreign countries. 

Q8- Is minor eligible for the non-ECR category?

Yes, a minor is eligible for the non-ECR category.

Q9- Can I work in Dubai with an ECR passport?

Dubai does not make it compulsory an ECR passport. You can work without it.