ECR and Non-ECR (ECNR) Passport

What is Non-ECR Passport?

Indian citizens who do not need to obtain permission from the government before departing the country are granted a passport that is known as a Non-ECR (Non-Emigration Check Required). This category mainly consists of people who work in skilled occupations or have degrees or other higher degrees. There is more freedom to travel and work abroad with non-ECR passports than with ECR passports, which need government approval for emigration. 

How to know if a passport is ECR or Non-ECR?

1. If you own an ECR passport, then 'Emigration Check Required' will be stamped on it.
2. 'Emigration Check Required' won't be stamped on your passport if you have a non-ECR passport.

Eligibility Criteria for Non-ECR Passport

The eligibility criteria for non-ECR passport are mentioned below: 

1. Those who have finished their studies after 10th grade can obtain a non-ECR passport and those with degrees or diplomas from approved colleges fall under this category 

1. No matter what their educational background, government workers, their spouses, and dependent children can obtain a non-ECR passport 

1. Those who paid income taxes in the highest tax bracket can also obtain a non-ECR passport 

1. Professionals who belong to recognized professional groups, such as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, and others, can obtain a non-ECR passport. 

Eligibility Criteria for ECR Passport 

The eligibility criteria for ECR passport are as follows: 

1. Indian passport applicants who do not have any documents to prove that they have passed class 10 

1. Indian nationals who have not passed class 10 

1. Children above 15 years 

Documents Required for Non-ECR in Passport

The following common documents may be required for a non-ECR passport:

1. Completed EAP-2 Form 

1. The original passport 

1. Income tax certificate 

1. Provide proof of address, such as an Aadhaar card, water or electricity bill, etc. 

1. Make two copies of your passport's first four pages and the last four pages. 

Documents Required for ECR Passport 

The required documents for a ECR passport are as follows: 

1. Proof of address such as utility bills, Aadhaar cards, etc.

1. Emergency contact 

1. Annexures as required 

1. Any available educational qualification certificates 

Non-ECR Exemption List

The following people will not be subject to Emigration Check Required passport even if they travel to the above-mentioned nations:

1. ECR requirements are typically eliminated for those with educational credentials equal to a degree or above 

1. Non-ECR passports may be available to individuals, including skilled laborers, engineers, and physicians 

1. The non-ECR group frequently includes government employees and their dependents 

1. Non-ECR passports are often available to Indian citizens living abroad (OCIs). 

Documents to be Submitted to Check Non-ECR Status

The following needs to be submitted to get non-ECR status:

1. Filled Form EAP-2
2. Original passport
3. Address proof
4. 2 attested copies of any of the eligibility criteria mentioned above
5. 2 copies each of first 4 and last 4 pages of the passport

Procedure to Remove ECR Stamp from Passport

If an individual does not fall under the ECR passport category it is mandetory to remove the ECR stamp from the passport to avoid legal consequences. The procedure to remove an ECR stamp from the passport is as follows:

To convert to ECNR and remove the ECR stamp, follow the steps given below: 

1. Apply for a new passport 

1. Choose to eliminate the ECR category 

1. Provide proof of Class 10+ education, ITRs, or documents related to your profession 

1. Make an appointment and attend for it 

1. A new passport that is not an ECR will be issued to you. 

Countries Which Require ECR

The following are 18 countries which require clarification for those who carry ECR passports:

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

Emigration Offices in India

The following are the list of emigration offices in India along with their address and Jurisdiction: 

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