ECR Passport: What is it?

A passport is required for all international travel. The government of India issues the most important travel document based on educational qualifications, age, and other factors.Once we are aware 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

Passports are required for Indians who wish to travel to certain countries for employment purposes. According to the Emigration Act of 1983, certain passport holders must obtain an Emigration Clearance from the Office of the Protector of Emigrants before travelling to certain countries.

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

People who have not completed their matriculation or do not have the necessary documentation must go through an emigration check. The goal is to ensure the safety of Indian citizens. An emigration check protects people with limited education from being exploited.

ECNR Passport

ECNR passport stands for 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

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.

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

Our Offices in India

Bangalore
Chennai
Mumbai
Hyderabad