Do you know What is a Non-ECR category in a Passport? What is ECR or Non-ECR Passport, the most crucial document to go from one country to another is the Passport, and if you want to go abroad, then Passport is most important. There are also two types of passports Non-ECR Passport and ECR Passport, so if you make a passport, then both these passports must know about. So today, we will tell you this post is What ECR? Our Non-Ecr Meaning
If we get to know about ECR or ECNR Passport before getting a Passport, then the work of making our Passport also becomes easy, and there is no problem with it. So let’s know the complete information about Emigration Check Required Meaning.
Are you eligible for the Non-ECR Category?
This question is asked while filling the form for Indian Passport, which can be confusing by looking at it. Do you know what is ECR and Non-ECR category and why it is essential to know about them?
The full form of ECR is “Emigration Check Required“
The full form of Non-ECR or ECNR is “Emigration Check Not Required”
Indian passports are divided into these two parts, and they both have different needs and benefits? What are those advantages and needs? Let’s discuss them in detail.
What is ECR and Non-ECR category in Indian Passport?
Table of Contents
Passport is needed whenever we have to go out of the country, whether about job or travel or business. A passport is a document issued by the government of a country that certifies its holder’s citizenship and identity for international travel.
According to the Emigration Act of India, 1983
Indian Passport has specific categories that require ‘Emigration Clearance’ from the Office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before moving to certain countries.
But does this requirement apply in all conditions?
No, according to this Act, Emigration refers to an Indian citizen who decides to leave the country to get employment in certain countries.
Indian passports are divided into two categories, which are as follows
1. ECR Category Passport
ECR stands for “Emigration Check Required.” But who needs this emigration check?
India’s government has taken ECR for the protection of Indian citizens given legal conditions and different circumstances in other countries. Launched the category.
The Protector of Emigrants and the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs have placed the weaker sections of society like children, illiterate workers, etc. In the category of Emigration Check Required not to be exploited to protect their interests by taking them abroad.
For this, an investigation is done in which it is done based on the education, age, marital status, etc., of a person what kind of Passport is given to him.
When applying for a passport, if a person is not a 10th pass or he has not applied the high school mark sheet and certificate while submitting the document, then, in this case, the Passport that is made is called an ECR passport.
Passport holders of the ECR category must seek clearance from the Immigration Officer before leaving the country for employment.
Emigration means migration. Migration is called migration to any other country in connection with any reason such as crisis or employment. People who go to another country for work are called Emigrant, and in times of crisis, they are called refugees.
Which Countries is Immigration Clearance Necessary?
According to the Bureau of Immigration of India (BOI), emigration clearance is required before knowing in the following countries
Countries that require Emigration Clearance–
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Malaysia
- Libya
- Thailand
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Indonesia
- Afghanistan
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Jordan
- Iraq (Emigration stopped)
Note: For reasons other than employment in any of the countries mentioned above, such as treatment or ECR for traveling. Passport holders are exempted. ECR passport holders will be allowed to leave the country if they show a valid passport, valid visa, and return ticket at the immigration office at any international airport in India.
Also, Read – What is a Bonafide Certificate? How to get a Bonafide Certificate
2. Non-ECR Category (ECNR) Passport
Non-ECR or ECNR means “Emigration Check Not Required.”
As the name suggests, only educated and qualified Indian citizens in the ECNR category are counted going out of this country in connection with any work, business, or travel.
Whenever an Indian citizen passes the 10th standard, he can get a non-ECR on his Passport, and there is no need to check with the immigration office.
One thing to note here is that if a person does not give his high school information, then his Passport will go into the ECR category.
What are the conditions for the ECNR category? Proof for Non-ECR Category Passport
If you are applying for a passport, you have to fall into some of the categories mentioned below to go to the Non-ECR category.
If you fall into one of the following categories, you will also have to submit documentary proof.
- Official and diplomatic passport holders.
- Gazetted government officials, their spouses, and dependent children.
- All persons with high school (pass) and above educational qualification.
- Persons above 50 years of age and children up to the age of 18 years.
- Income taxpayers (including agricultural income taxpayers), their spouse, and dependent children.
- All professional degree holders such as doctors, journalists, engineers, accountants, lecturers, teachers, scientists, lawyers, etc., and their dependent families.
- All those nurses are recognized under the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947.
- People are doing diploma from any recognized polytechnic institute.
- Marine cadets and deck cadets, plus people are working at sea.
- All persons who have been living abroad for more than three years.
- Individuals are holding documents such as green cards, permanent residence cards, etc.
Documents Required For ECR Passport Or Non-ECR Passport
Some important documents are required to get a passport. By which the process of making passports is completed.
- Address proof
- Aadhar card
- Photograph
- Birth certificate
- 10th and 12th mark sheet
- residence certificate
- Voter ID Card
- driving license
- Pan Card
ECR or ECNR: Choose Which Option in Passport Application Form?
Whenever you fill in the passport form, you are asked this question?
Are you eligible for the Non-ECR Category?
To answer this question, you have to tick “YES” or “NO.”
If you have completed class 10 or above or if you fulfill the conditions of the non-ECR category mentioned above and can submit documents related to it, then you will have to choose “YES”
If you have not completed matriculation or high school and do not follow the terms of any ECNR category, then you will have to choose “NO” here.
How to know if my Passport is in ECR or Non-ECR Category?
If there is no stamp in the Passport issued before January 2007 in India, it falls into the ECR category.
After January 2007 and today
If you are in the ECR category, the Emigration Check Required will be printed on your Passport’s back (next to the bar code).
If ECR is not printed on your Passport, it means your Passport falls in the non-ECR category.
No separate non ECR stamp will be affixed on your Passport.
What is “OK to Board”
There are some countries where Indians need something other than a visa before going, which is called “OK to Board.”
This process is necessary for some airlines, without which passengers will not travel to these countries.
Which countries need “OK to Board”?
“OK to Board” is required before going to these countries-
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Queue
Who needs “OK to Board”
“OK to Board” is mandatory for the following categories-
- ECR Category Passport Holder
- Travelers with print-outs of Labor and Work e-visa
What to do for “OK to Board”?
If you are traveling to any of the countries mentioned above and fall in the “OK to board” category, you will have to give a copy of your visa to the airline with whom you booked your air ticket.
The airline will accept your ticket after checking your visa and mark your ticket’s PNR as “OK to Board.”
Please note that if your PNR while traveling. “OK to board” does not show then you cannot fly in any way.
Also, Read – 10 Neighbouring Countries of India and their Capitals: Map and Name
Difference Between ECR and Non-ECR in Passport
Although there is no significant difference between these two passports, there are still some differences that are explained further.
- If the government rules for making passports, if the Passport is not made under those rules, ECR is written. After this, you cannot live abroad until you get your passport ECNR.
- Having an ECR passport makes it a bit difficult to work outside companies; the outside company is hesitant to give jobs. But the outside company in ECNR gives jobs without any fear.
- On coming to ECR, you have to get the verification done. But the ECNR does not require any verification.
- Both types of passports can be rotated abroad. But an ECNR passport is required to reside abroad. In the ECNR Process, your eligibility is checked whether you are eligible to live abroad or not. If you are eligible, you are given an ECNR passport, and if you are not eligible, you are given an ECR passport.
How to change ECR in Passport to Non-ECR Category?
By now, you must have come to know that for the ECR category, it is essential to pass at least high school.
While filling the passport application form, it is essential to put a High School mark sheet and certificate.
Now suppose someone later passed the matriculation examination, then he was eligible to get the ECNR category.
Not only this, even if there are some changes in your life so that you can fulfill the conditions of the Non-ECR category mentioned above, you can still change your Passport.
For this, you have to apply for a passport again and choose the passport re-issue option.
“Are you eligible for the Non-ECR Category?” To tick “YES.”
After that, whatever essential documents are there, you have to submit them.
If all the documents are correct, then your new ECNR category passport will arrive within a few days of applying.
Conclusion
I hope you have understood the difference between the ECR Vs. Non-ECR category in Passport. You must also have known what proof you need to apply for a non-ECR category passport.
You must have understood the requirements of these different categories of passports and the meaning of “OK to Board” before traveling abroad. I endeavor to give you all the information in straightforward language, which you have no problem in understanding.
Therefore, I have tried to touch all the aspects so that there is no hindrance in your foreign travel.
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