What is ECNR in Passport?

ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) is a term that indicates that the passport holder does not have to pass through the emigration clearance at the airport while travelling to a foreign country for employment. Many Indian citizens travel abroad for work purposes, and because of that, ECNR status has gained popularity among travellers as it makes the travel process convenient and gives freedom to travellers. 

You can apply for the ECNR passport when you apply for a new passport or when you are renewing your passport. You can also apply for it separately at the Passport Seva Kendra. This designation simplifies the process of travelling for individuals, exempting them from the long immigration checks. 

In this blog, we have discussed all about the ECNR passports, how to apply, documents required, and all the other important sections. Read this blog till the end to get answers to all the questions you have about the ECNR passports. 

How to Know If a Passport is Non-ECR?

To check whether the passport is non-ECR or ECNR, open the second page of your passport, and if there is an endorsement saying " Emigration Check Not Required," then it is a non-ECR passport. If the passport is issued after January 2007, then you can understand that individuals of specific categories, like government officials, professionals, and higher educational qualifications, have ECNR passports. 

Nowadays, passports have an ECR stamp on the last page. You can just check for the stamp. If there is the ECR stamp, then it is an ECR passport, and if there is no stamp, then it is an ECNR passport. Although you should refer to the official government guidelines or passport checking authorities to confirm the ECR or non-ECR status.

What is the Eligibility for ECNR in a Passport?

The eligibility criteria to get an ECNR passport are as follows: 

1. You must have graduated from class 10 or higher.

2. You have passed an exam under the Ministry of Education that should be equivalent to class 10 or higher.

3. You must have cleared any one of the following exams:

• Class 12 (10+2)
• The exam is considered equivalent to class 12 under the Ministry of Education
• Degree from a recognised University or Board
• A diploma from a recognised University or Board

4. You have travelled abroad previously under your Indian passport.

5. You have served in the Indian Armed Forces at any rank.

6. You are a dependent family member of the individual working abroad.

How to Apply for an ECNR Passport?

The application process for an ECNR passport is quite simple. You can visit the website of Passport Seva Kendra or go to the nearest office. Here are the steps to apply:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Passport Seva and download the ECNR passport application form. 

Step 2: Fill out the complete form with the correct information.

Step 3: Gather all the required documents, such as:

• Proof of date of birth
• Applicant's identity proof
• Proof of address
• Educational certificates of class 10 or equivalent

Step 4: Submit a self-attested copy of your passport.

Step 5: Provide any visas or work permits you have.

Step 6: Provide some proof of your employment, such as:

• Monthly Salary
• Job Tittle
• Duration or contract terms of work abroad

Step 7: Pay the required application fee. The fee can vary as it depends on the type and validity of the passport you are applying for. However, the charges for an ECNR passport are similar for all applicants.

Step 8: Make an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra. 

After applying for the ECNR passport, you will get a slip with an acknowledgement number on it. Keep this slip safe, as it will be useful to track the status of your application. You can check the status by visiting the official website and using the application reference number. 

Which Countries Require an ECNR Passport?

Here is a list of other countries where travellers need an ECNR passport to enter the country.

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

What is the Difference Between ECR and ECNR Passports?

In India, passports are divided into two categories on the basis of the emigration status of the holder: ECR and ECNR. The main difference between the categories is that with ECR passports, you have to go through the immigration checks while travelling to certain countries, and with the ECNR passport, you don't need immigration clearance; you can directly enter. 

The other differences are mentioned below in a table form, which makes it easier to understand: 

Documents Required to Check ECNR Passport Status

To check the ECNR status in your Indian passport, you will need the following documents:

1. Passport: You will need your original passport to check whether the ECNR has been endorsed in it or not.
2. Application Reference Number (ARN): The ARN will be useful to track the ECNR status during the application process.
3. Registered Mobile Number: You will need the mobile number that is registered with the passport for verification purposes.
4. Acknowledgement Receipt: It is the receipt from the Passport Seva Kendra, which contains the details of your application.

List for the Non-ECR Exemption

This category includes the list of people who are not subject to the Emigration check while traveling to foreign countries: 

1. Educated Individuals: It includes individuals with educational qualifications above the 10th standard, also including those with diplomas, degrees, or higher. 
2. Income Taxpayers: It includes individuals who pay income tax. The evidence needs to be submitted in this case, such as the Income Tax Returns for two years. 
3. Government Employees: It includes all the employees of the Central and State governments, as well as the public sector undertaking employees. 
4. Dependent Family Members: This includes the individual's spouse and children (up to age 18) who are working abroad and holding an ECNR passport. 
5. Professionals: It includes the professionals with recognised qualifications, such as Doctors, nurses, Engineers, CAs, etc. 
6. Emigrants with valid visas: They include individuals who have a permanent immigration visa, for example, an H-1B visa for the USA. 
7. Seafarers: This category includes Indians working on Indian or foreign ships, as well as Indian sailors holding a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC). 

How to Remove the ECR Stamp from a Passport?

If you have an ECR passport and you wish to remove the stamp present on it to make it a non-ECR passport, then here are the steps for this process: 

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure that you meet all the requirements for the ECNR passport, such as educational qualifications above the 10th standard, holding a professional degree, or being an income tax payer.
2. Gather required documents: Collect all the important required documents, such as PAN card, income tax returns, educational certificates, and proof of employment.
3. Visit Passport Seva Kendra: After that, book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra for the official documents. 
4. Submit Application: Fill out the application form online on the official website, indicating the need to remove the ECR stamp from your passport, and upload all the relevant documents. 
5. Attend Appointment: Attend your scheduled appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra with all the original documents for verification purposes and pay the required fee. 
6. Receive updated passport: After the successful verification, your application will be processed, and you will receive a new or updated passport with an ECR stamp on it. 

Which Countries Require an ECNR Passport? 

The ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) status is important for most countries for travelling, especially to those countries that are not listed in the ECR category. Some countries where ECR is required are given below: 

• Gulf countries: UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.
• Southeast Asia: Malaysia
• Other Countries: Indonesia, Thailand. 

Choose Visament for Passport Services.

Whether you are applying to change the status of your passport or you are filing out the passport renewal application, it is important to complete the process very carefully. One mistake can lead your application not to get verified by the official passport offices.

Choose Visament for India's trusted services related to passports. We have a team of experts who will fill out your application and complete the remaining process, reducing the likelihood of denial. We have 24/7 assistance to help you out with any type of confusion. You can reach out to us from our website, and there is no need to meet physically in the offices.