The Ministry of External Affairs of India (MEA) amended the Indian Passport in 2018. The changes were introduced to categorize individuals more easily into Emigration Check Required (ECR) or Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) categories. Indian citizens in the ECR category will have orange passports, while those in the ECNR category will have blue passports. This article will discuss the color changes, different types of passports in India, and more.
Is the Government Changing the Colors of Indian Passport?
The Ministry of External Affairs of India amended the passport colors. Indian passports for ECR categories are now orange, while those for ECNR categories remain blue. Along with the color change, the removal of the last page of the passport booklet was another significant change. The last page generally contains details such as the name of the spouse, father, mother, address, and their ECR or ECNR category declaration. For the ECR category, this page will now be omitted.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced the formation of a three-member committee comprising officials from the MEA and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This committee was tasked with examining various issues that contributed to difficulties in passport applications. Such issues included instances where mothers or children requested that the father’s name not be included in the passport.
The MEA then introduced these changes to streamline immigration checks. As of now, the Indian passport is available in four colors: white, blue, maroon, and orange.
To Whom Are the Changes Applicable?
The passport color change applies to all citizens belonging to the ECR and Non-ECR categories. Here’s who falls under these categories:
- ECR Passport Category: ECR, or Emigration Check Required, is for Indians without a 10th-grade certificate and who are traveling abroad for work. The new passport changes include the omission of the address page from ECR passports to safeguard personal information. This measure primarily aims to safeguard ECR citizens who may face mistreatment by foreign employers.
- Non-ECR Passport Category: ECNR or Emigration Check Not Required is for individuals with sufficient educational qualifications (e.g., 10th grade pass) to travel worldwide without emigration clearance. The new passport changes will not apply to Non-ECR passport holders. They will continue to have blue-covered passports, including the last page, upon renewal.
A Glance into Various Passport Types
Are you still wondering how many types of passports there are in India? Besides the orange and blue passports mentioned above, India issues other types of passports. These are:
- Blue Passport: Also known as a P passport, it is generally issued to general citizens of India for business or leisure trips to foreign countries. This passport is for the general public who are not government officials.
- White Passport: A white passport in India is for Indian government officials, enabling travel abroad for official purposes. Generally, IAS officers utilize this white passport to travel abroad for work.
- Diplomatic Passport/ Maroon Passport: A diplomatic passport is for Indian citizens holding diplomatic status. It allows Indian government representatives to travel abroad to represent the country.
- Orange Passport: As mentioned above, this passport is for Indian citizens who lack 10th-grade educational qualifications. These passport holders fall under the ECR category. Their passports omit the last address page, and they require an emigration check every time they embark on an overseas journey.
How to Apply for an Indian Passport?
Applying for any type of Indian passport requires the following steps. These are:
- Go to the official online “Passport Seva” portal and log in with your existing credentials. New users may need to register first.
- Choose the “Fresh Passport/Passport Reissue” option and complete the application form.
- Select the “Upload e-Form” option to submit your application.
- Finally, click “Pay and Schedule Appointment” to complete the payment and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Once these steps are completed, you will need to visit the designated Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or regional passport office where your appointment is scheduled. Submit all required documents and await police verification. Following a successful verification, your passport will be dispatched.
Conclusion:
The Ministry of External Affairs has introduced changes to the passport color for the ECR category, introducing an orange cover. Meanwhile, the ECNR category will retain its blue-colored passport. In addition to the color change, the last page of the passport is also subject to changes concerning the ECR and ECNR categories.
Along with the orange passport, other types of passports in India, such as blue, white, and maroon, are discussed above. A thorough understanding of these passport types is essential to determine which one is applicable to you. Based on your eligibility for a specific type, you can follow the outlined steps to apply for a new passport.
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