Benefits of non-ECR passport
Below are the benefits of a non-ECR passport:
1. Emigration checks not required
The primary benefit is the exemption from emigration checks, making travel for purposes other than employment more convenient.
2. Simplified application process
The application process for a non-ECR passport is generally more straightforward and streamlined compared to the ECR category.
3. Ease of travel
Non-ECR passport holders can travel to various countries without the need for additional emigration clearance, facilitating hassle-free international travel.
4. Broader eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a non-ECR passport are diverse, allowing a broader range of individuals to qualify.
5. Employment flexibility
Non-ECR passport holders have the flexibility to explore employment opportunities abroad without the need for emigration clearance.
ECR and non-ECR (ECNR) passport
ECR stands for Emigration Check Required, while ECNR stands for Emigration Check Not Required. ECR is a stamp that is applied to passports for individuals who are considered low-skilled labourers. If a person does not have an ECR stamp on their passport, then they hold a non-ECR (passport) or ECNR passport.
Non-ECR exemption list
To determine if you qualify for a Non-ECR passport, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the exemption list. This list outlines specific categories of individuals who are exempt from the requirement to obtain government permission before leaving India.
Here are some key pointers:
- Educational qualifications
Individuals with educational qualifications equivalent to a degree or above are generally exempt from ECR requirements.
- Professional categories
Certain professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and skilled workers, may qualify for Non-ECR passports.
- Government officials
Government officials and their dependents often fall under the Non-ECR category.
- Overseas citizens of India (OCIs)
OCIs are generally eligible for Non-ECR passports.
For a comprehensive understanding of the Non-ECR exemption list and specific criteria, it's recommended to consult official government sources or seek guidance from immigration authorities.
Documents to be submitted to check non-ECR status
To determine your Non-ECR status and apply for a Non-ECR passport, you may need to submit certain documents to the passport authorities. While the specific requirements can vary, here are some common documents required for non-ECR passport, that might be requested:
- Filled Form EAP-2
- Original passport
- Address proof
- Two attested copies of any of the eligibility criteria
- Two copies each of the first four and last four pages of your passport
Procedure to remove ECR stamp from passport
If you are eligible for a Non-ECR passport and wish to have the existing ECR stamp removed, you will need to follow a specific procedure. Here are the general steps involved:
1. Go to the passport website
Head to the Passport Seva website (passport.gov.in) and navigate to the section for "miscellaneous services." Look for an application specifically related to deleting the ECR requirement.
2. Gather your documents
This includes attested photocopies of your college, 12th standard, and 10th standard passing certificates (make sure they're officially verified!).
3. Prove your address
Attach a photocopy of your Voter ID, ration card, utility bill (electricity, phone), employer ID, lease agreement, or any other document that officially confirms your residence.
4. Additional documents
The PAN card might be required as well, so have it ready.
5. Pay the fee
Don't forget this crucial step! Check the website for the latest fee structure.
6. Time to submit
Gather your current passport along with photocopies of the first four and last four pages.
7. Visit your local passport office
Submit the completed application form and all the required documents in person.
Remember: This is a general guide, and specific requirements may vary. It's always best to double-check with your nearest passport office or refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information. With the right preparation, you'll be well on your way to an ECR-free passport and hassle-free international travel.
Countries that require ECR
Below is the list of countries which require clarification for ECR passports:
- Malaysia
- Lebanon
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Indonesia
- Bahrain
- Afghanistan
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Libya
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Saudi Arabia
- Thailand
- UAE
- Syria
- South Sudan
- Qatar
Eligible candidates can travel to these countries with a non-ECR passport.
Emigrants offices in India
These are the following emigrants offices in India with their respective addresses and jurisdiction.
Address of emigrant office
|
Jurisdiction
|
Protector of emigrants, Delhi
ISIL building, VK Krishna Menon bhawan, 4th Floor, 9,
Bhagwandas road, New Delhi-110001.
Ph. 011/23382472,
23073908, poedelhi@mea.gov.in
|
Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh -
(Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut,
Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Hapur,
Bulandshahr, Gautam Buddha Nagar),
Haryana –(Karnal, Jind, Panipat,
Sonipat, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Charkhi,
Dadri, Jhajjar, Mahendragarh, Rewari,
Nuh, Palwal, Gurgaon, Faridabad),
Rajasthan – (Alwar, Bharatpur)
|
Protector of emigrants, Rae Bareli
1st floor, Rudra plaza, hospital road, Rae Bareli, Uttar
Pradesh, Ph. 0535/2211122-23. poerbl@mea.gov.in
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
Protector of emigrants, Jaipur
CFC Building, RIICO, Sitapura industrial area, Sitapura, India Gate, Tonk road, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Ph. 0141/2771528-
29, poejaipur@mea.gov.in
|
Rajasthan
|
Protector of emigrants, Chandigarh
5th Block, ground floor, room No. 27, Kendriya Sadan, sector-9A, Chandigarh-160017. Ph. 0172/2741790,
poechd@mea.gov.in
|
Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh,
Himachal Pradesh, J&K
|
Protector of emigrants, Mumbai
4th Floor “Videsh Bhavan”, Bandra Kurla Complex, Plot No
C-45, G Block, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400051
Telephone :022-26520023, 26520024
E-mail : poemumbai@mea.gov.in, poemum1@mea.gov.in,
poemum2@mea.gov.in, poellmum2@mea.gov.in
|
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Dadra & Nagar
Haveli, Daman & Diu, Madhya Pradesh
|
Protector of emigrants, Kolkata
Room No. 18, A-Wing, MSO Building, 3rd Floor, DF Block,
Salt Lake, CGO complex, Kolkata-700084. Ph.033/23343407,
poekol@mea.gov.in
|
Andaman & Nicobar Island, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Sikkim and West
Bengal
|
Protector of emigrants, Hyderabad
Gruhakalpa complex, M.J. Road. Nampally, Hyderabad 500001,
Ph. 040-24652557
poehyd@mea.gov.in
|
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
|
Protector of Emigrants, Chennai
Rayala Towers, Tower 2, 4th Floor, Anna Salai, Chennai – 600078,
Tel : 29862069,
poechennai1@mea.gov.in, poechennai2@mea.gov.in
|
Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry
|
Protector of Emigrants, Trivandrum
5 th Floor, NORKA Centre, Thycaud. P.O, Thiruvananthapuram-695014, Kerala,
Ph. 0471/2336625-26 poetvm2@mea.gov.in
|
Distt. - Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta Kottayam, Dukki, Allapuzha
|
Protector of Emigrants, Cochin
Ground Floor, RPO Building, Panampilli Nagar, Cochin.
Ph. 0484/2360187/2372040, poecochin@mea.gov.in
|
Protector of Emigrants, Cochin Ground Floor, RPO Building, Panampilli Nagar, Cochin. Ph. 0484/2360187/2372040, poecochin@mea.gov.in |
Protector of Emigrants, Patna
5 th Floor, A block, Niyojan Bhawan, Bailey Road, Patna – 800001.
E-mail:tavishi.behal11@mea.gov.in, poepatna@mea.gov.in
|
Bihar, Jharkhand
|
Protector of Emigrants, Bangaluru
RPO Building, 8th Block, 80 Feet Road, KHB Games Village, Koramangala, Bengaluru – 560095,
Email: poebengaluru@mea.gov.in
|
Karnataka, Goa
|
Protector of Emigrants, Guwahati
A DEE Tower, 2nd Floor, Lalmati, Opp.Nidhi Bhawan, NH37, Guwahati-781028
Email - poeguwahati@mea.gov.in
Ph - 8287020033
|
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura
|
Note: These addresses may change in the future. Please check the official website before visiting any of the above emigrant offices.
Non-ECR and travel insurance
A non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport exempts holders from emigration checks, simplifying international travel for various purposes. When complemented with travel insurance, individuals enjoy added security. Travel insurance provides financial protection against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Whether for leisure or work, the combination of a non-ECR passport and travel insurance ensures a seamless and secure travel experience, allowing individuals to explore the world with peace of mind.
Also, read about international travel insurance.
In conclusion, the concept of non-ECR passports plays a pivotal role in facilitating smooth international travel for individuals who do not fall under the stringent emigration check requirements. The eligibility criteria and document requirements ensure that the issuance of non-ECR passports is aligned with the applicant's educational qualifications, employment status, and professional credentials.
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