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Around 18 million of the Indian population have emigrated from India for job purposes, and we often hear about the exploitation of Indian workers in different countries at the workplace. False promises, underpayment, and extra working hours are some of the means by which Indian workers get exploited abroad.
To avoid and eliminate this issue, the Indian government came up with an ECR passport category that provides additional protection to the weak and less aware section emigrating for a job.
Emigration Check Required and Non-Emigration Check Required passport is discussed and explained in this blog. Join us till the end of this blog to get more clarity on ECR and non-ECR.
What is ECR in the Passport?
ECR or Emigration Check Required Passport is a type of passport issued to a category of Indians who have no class 10th degree or an incomplete degree, and are willing to visit abroad. This category is framed to provide extra protection to emigrating workers. ECR Passport helps to avoid work exploitation in foreign countries.
If you are someone who wants to visit abroad for a job purpose, then you should go through the emigration clearance test. This test is conducted by the Protectors of Emigrants (PoE). Remember, an ECR passport has an ECR stamp on the last page of the passport.
Note: An emigration check is a government process for Indian workers falling in the ECR category and going abroad on job visas. It helps to protect them from exploitation and cross-check details of their job.
Who is Eligible for ECR?
- Anyone who is less than 15 years old.
- One who does not have a proper 10th passing certificate.
- Optional for an individual applying for a non-employment visa.
What is a Non-ECR Passport?
Non-ECR or Non-Emigration Check Required is also known as Emigration Clearance Not Required (ECNR). It is a type of passport given to Indians who have already qualified for the 10th grade and have their certificate. Non-ECR is given to Indians who visit abroad for travelling or business purposes and do not need any emigration clearance from the authorities. You should have your 10th passing certificate to qualify for this category. Also, no stamp of “ECR” will be on the last page of the passport.
Who is Eligible for Non-ECR?
- A person who has a class 10th degree and also qualifies for any of the following categories:
- Any government employee with their family.
- An individual who pays the income tax in the country.
- Any educated professional.
Difference Between ECR and Non-ECR in Passport
Here is the table showing the difference between ECR and Non-ECR in the passport:
| Feature | ECR Passport (Emigration Check Required) |
Non-ECR Passport (Emigration Check Not Required) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible individual |
|
People who have passed 10th grade and are
|
| Need for permission | You should get emigration clearance before working in certain countries. | There is no need for emigration clearance under the Non-ECR category. |
| Applicable to which countries | Limited to specific countries (often Gulf and West Asia) where extra checking is required. | You can easily travel for work or other purposes to most countries without extra checks. |
| Purpose of category | It aims to protect helpless or less-educated workers from exploitation abroad. | It makes traveling simpler and easier for educated or professional travelers. |
| Stamp on the passport | “ECR” should be printed on your passport if you belong to this category. | There is no stamp printed on the passport. |
Which Country Needs an ECR in the Passport?
If you are planning to visit any of the following countries for a job purpose, make sure that you have an ECR categorised passport:
- Kuwait
- Iraq
- Bahrain
- Indonesia
- Afghanistan
- Malaysia
- Saudi Arabia
- Jordan
- Oman
- Libya
- Lebanon
- Qatar
- Thailand
- Yemen
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Syria
- Sudan
Note: For tourism or education purposes, you can travel without clearance, just like other passport holders.
Conclusion
In last it is very simple to state that ECR and Non-ECR are just passport categories based on the need for additional protection while emigrating abroad. ECR in the passport is mainly for people with less education or those who may need extra protection while going to certain countries for employment. Such passport holders must get emigration clearance before travelling for work.
On the other hand, non-ECR in a passport gives more freedom to travel abroad without clearance for jobs, studies, or tourism. Knowing these differences helps every traveler avoid confusion and makes their journey safe and easy.
FAQs
Yes, ECR passport holders can be stopped at Indian airports if they travel to ECR countries for work without emigration clearance. For vacation or visits, they must carry a Residence Permit and an Exit-Reentry Visa copy.
Yes, they can travel for tourism, study, or family visits without clearance. Clearance is only needed for jobs in ECR countries.
You can check it on the passport. If nothing is written under “ECR,” it means your passport is Non-ECR.
Non-ECR in a passport means the person can travel abroad freely without needing emigration clearance. It is mostly given to educated people, professionals, and income taxpayers.
ECR in the passport means the holder must get emigration clearance for jobs in certain countries. Non-ECR in the passport means no clearance is required for travelling abroad.
ECR and non-ECR are two categories of passports. ECR is for people needing extra protection while working abroad, while non-ECR is for people who can travel without such restrictions.
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