Non-ECR Passport
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 02/12/2024
Travelling abroad opens the gates of endless opportunities for individuals. From discovering new places to adopting new career paths, a lot can be achieved. To make the most of these opportunities, the most crucial document that one needs is a passport.
A passport is a government-issued identity proof that contains all the basic and essential information about an individual. As per the government of India, there are various passport types in India. However, the two types of passports that confuse the travellers the most are ECR and non-ECR passports.
To make things clear, let us understand the non-ECR passport meaning, its eligibility criteria, how to obtain a non-ECR passport and much more in this article.
Non-ECR Passport Meaning
A non-ECR passport is a type of passport which does not require an emigration clearance when travelling to a foreign country. Such a passport is issued to Indians who fulfil specific eligibility criteria as specified by the government.
Non-ECR passports are issued to qualified individuals (above 10th std.), high taxpayers, government employees, etc. Such a passport makes travelling hassle-free as it eliminates the need for additional emigration checks.
Generally, ECR passports have a stamp that says, “Emigration Check Required.” By default, all passports that are issued after January 2007 are Non-ECR. They will only be given an ECR status if the holder needs a clear emigration check.
-How to Classify a Non-ECR Passport
Following are the two ways to identify a non-ECR passport:
For old passports issued before January 2007, if page 3 of the passport does not contain an ECR stamp, it implies that you have a non-ECR passport.
For newer passports issued after January 2007, one must look for the “Emigration Check Required” above the father’s name. If the stamp exists, it means that the passport is an ECR passport. If the stamp does not exist, it means that the passport is a non-ECR category one.
ECR Vs Non-ECR Passport: Differences Explained
| Parameter | ECR Passport | Non-ECR Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | An ECR passport is issued to protect the Indian workers employed abroad to save them from labour-related exploitation abroad. | A non-ECR passport allows Indians to travel abroad without needing emigration clearance from the government. |
| Qualification | It is issued to those Indians whose qualifications are less than the 10th standard and are exploitable in foreign countries. | Non-ECR passports are issued to Indians with higher qualifications and are not easily exploitable abroad. |
| Categories | ECR status is given to passport holders based on their educational qualifications, job categories, etc. | Individuals meeting specific criteria set by the government are granted the Non-ECR category passport. |
| Documentation | An ECR passport requires additional documents for emigration clearance. | A non-ECR passport needs fewer documents than an ECR passport. |
| Applicability in Countries | The following countries protect immigrants having ECR passports: Afghanistan, Iraq, Indonesia, Kuwait, Jordan, Libya, Bahrain, Malaysia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon, Oman, Thailand, Sudan, UAE, Yemen, Syria, etc. | Most of the countries in the world allow individuals with non-ECR passports to enter without emigration clearance. |
Documents Required For A Non-ECR Passport
If you’re looking to apply for a non-ECR passport in India, here are the documents you will need to present, depending on what category you fall under.
| Category | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Holder of official and diplomatic passport | Diplomatic or official passport |
| Gazetted government servants/spouses/dependent children | For gazetted servants: |
| NOC as per the annexure G, OR | |
| Identity certificate as per Annexure A, OR | |
| Prior intimation letter (annexure H) | |
| For Spouses of gazetted government servants: | |
| Copy of attested marriage certificate issued by the registrar | |
| Identity certificate (annexure A) | |
| For Dependent Children: | |
| Identity certificate (annexure A), OR | |
| Birth certificate from the municipal authority. OR | |
| School leaving certificate or secondary school certificate, etc., OR | |
| Passport of the government servant | |
| Individuals above the age of 50 years | Birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or other authorised office, OR |
| School leaving certificate / secondary school certificate / certificate from recognised boards from the school last attended, etc. | |
| Individuals with qualification of matriculate and above | Matriculation or higher educational passing certificate. |
| Income taxpayers (including agricultural taxpayers), their spouses, and dependent children below 18 years of age. | Income tax assessment proof and actual tax payment proof for the last year OR |
| Income tax return statement of last year (stamped by the income tax authorities) and PAN card copy. | |
| For Spouses: | |
| Copy of attested marriage certificate issued by the registrar | |
| For dependent children: | |
| Birth certificate obtained from the municipal department or other authorised office. | |
| School leaving certificate / secondary school leaving certificate / certificate of recognised boards from the last school attended by the applicant. | |
| Individuals with a two-year diploma from any recognised institute (NCVT) (SCVT) or individuals holding a three-year diploma or a degree recognised by the central or state government | Passing certificate issued by the institute |
| Qualified nurse recognised under the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947 | Nursing certificate |
| Individuals holding professional degrees, their spouses and dependent children | Certificate of the professional degree |
| For Spouses: | |
| Copy of marriage certificate attested by marriage registrar. | |
| Copy of marriage certificate attested by marriage registrar. | |
| Dependent children: | |
| A Birth certificate from the municipal authority or any office authorised to issue the same OR | |
| School leaving certificate or secondary school leaving certificate, etc. | |
| Individuals staying abroad for more than three years | Passport copy, including the first two and last two pages, ECR or non-ECR pages and page of observation. |
| For Spouses: | |
| Attested marriage certificate issued by the registrar of marriage OR | |
| Endorsing spouse’s name on the passport | |
| Applicants must submit an application providing the entry and exit dates, specifying the days spent outside India. It should be more than 3 years or 1095 days. | |
| Individuals possessing permanent immigration visas such as the US, UK and Australia. | PR (permanent resident card of the country) or copy of immigration visa. |
| Seamen with Continuous Discharge Certificates or Sea Cadets and Sea Decks | Continuous Discharge Certificate |
Non-ECR Passport Eligibility Criteria
One must fulfil the following eligibility criteria for obtaining a non-ECR passport.
-Academic Qualifications: Individuals who have completed education beyond 10th class or have completed their degree or diploma.
-Income Taxpayers: To be eligible for a Non-Ecr passport, one must be a taxpayer in the highest bracket.
-Government Employees: Government servants, their spouses and children are also eligible for the Non-Ecr category passport, irrespective of their academic degree.
-Professionals: Those individuals who are engaged in professional services, such as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, etc., are also eligible, provided they are members of the respective recognised professional bodies.
How to Apply for Non-ECR Passport
Go to the Passport Seva portal.
Create an account on the website.
Click on “Apply for New Passport”.
Download the application form and fill it out carefully.
Submit the documents as required.
Pay the fees and preserve the receipt.
Book an appointment at the nearest PSK.
Attend the interview and give the biometrics.
Useful Link: Passport Application Form
Non-ECR Passport Benefits
Saves one from the hassle of emigration checks
The application process for a non-ECR passport is simpler than that for an ECR passport.
Non-ECR passport holders can travel to various countries smoothly.
Since the eligibility criteria are vast, more individuals qualify for a non-ECR passport.
It facilitates easy employment without the need for emigration clearance.
Conclusion
Indian passport types include the non-ECR category passport, which makes international travelling easier. Various individuals can apply for this passport category such as professionals, taxpayers, etc. Besides, the process for obtaining a Non-ECR passport is simpler than the ECR category.
All you need to do is submit the required documents and pay the fees, one can obtain the non-ECR passport in a very short time.
Secure Your Trip With TATA AIG Travel Insurance Plan
Just as a passport is a mandatory document for travelling abroad, a travel insurance policy is also necessary. Many foreign countries require travellers to possess travel insurance to obtain a visa.
A travel insurance safeguards you in multiple ways in a foreign land, ensuring you can enjoy a stress-free trip. Whether you apply for a visa in advance or obtain a visa on arrival for Indians, travel insurance can be your saviour under all circumstances.
TATA AIG offers the best travel insurance, featuring affordable premiums, instant policy issuance, coverage in dollars, accident and medical coverage, and much more. Our insurance plans also protect you against loss of baggage or passports in foreign countries.
From flight delays to hijack cover and medical evacuation to compassionate visit, our plans offer extensive coverage along with hassle-free claims and 24/7 customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
-Can I change my passport from the ECR to the non-ECR category?
Yes, if for any reason, you are eligible for the Non-ECR category of passport, you can apply for changing the same at the Passport Seva portal.
-Can one travel to ECR countries with a non-ECR passport?
Yes, non-ECR passport holders can travel to ECR countries without requiring an emigration clearance.
-What is the validity of a non-ECR passport?
A non-ECR passport is valid for the following duration:
Individuals less than 18 years- 5 years
Individuals 18-45 years old- 10 years
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
Related Articles
