Non ECR Passport: Know How to Check the Status & Documents Required

Every year, thousands of Indian workers move to several countries worldwide for better career prospects. Needless to say, besides other documents, a passport plays a determining role in ensuring entry to countries abroad. For instance, selected countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen, Afghanistan, Malaysia and many more, only allow Indians with passports of the non ECR category. 

As per Government reports, till June 2023, starting from 2015, the e-Migration Portal issued almost 40,03,592 Emigration Clearance for 18 countries, which require Emigration Clearance Required (ECR). Thus, if you are planning to venture out of the country for work, you must be equipped with the information regarding non ECR passports. 

What is the Non ECR Category in a Passport?

In India, a “Non-ECR” (Emigration Check Not Required) passport category is applicable to Indian passport holders who do not require emigration clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) when traveling for employment to certain countries.

Indian passport holders who have completed their education beyond the 10th standard (i.e., those who have completed at least 10+2 or have higher educational qualifications) fall under the Non-ECR category. This includes individuals who have completed their graduation, post-graduation, or any other higher studies.

It’s important to note that the list of countries falling under the ECR (Emigration Check Required) category is periodically reviewed and updated by the Indian government. Therefore, before traveling abroad for employment, it’s advisable for passport holders to check the current emigration requirements for their intended destination and consult with the relevant authorities or the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to ensure they have the correct passport category and meet the necessary requirements for their specific travel plans.

How Do I Check Non ECR Status?

Usually, there are 3 ways in which you can check if your passport falls under the non ECR category or not. These are mentioned below: 

• For old booklet-type passports, usually, the third page contains an ECR stamp. If no such stamp is there, you have a non ECR passport. 
• If your passport does not have a non ECR status, you will see the ‘Emigration Check Required’ stamp above the ‘Name of the Father/Legal Guardian’ section on the last page of the new-type passports. 
• The absence of an ECR stamp on the passport booklet confirms the non ECR status category in the passport.  

In case your passport contains ECR status, you must apply to convert it into the non ECR one. For that reason, you need to go through a systematic process, starting with providing correct documents. 

Also Read: Check Your Passport Application Status

List of Documents Required for Non ECR Passport

Following is the list of documents that individuals need to furnish before the Passport Issuing Authority (PIA) to obtain a non ECR passport: 

Note that the dependent children mentioned above refer to unmarried children aged below 18 years. Also, remember that if your passport has an ECR stamp, you need to convert it to a non ECR category mandatorily. 

Also know: Police Verification for Passport Done in India