Is an ECNR passport important for you?

Is an ECNR passport important for you?

If you are planning to go abroad for employment purposes, as an Indian, you need to have an ECNR stamp on your passport. According to the Emigration Act of 1983, certain travellers will have to get an Emigration Clearance from POE’s ( Protector of Emigrants) office. It is mandatory to travel to certain countries. 

Passports made after January 2007 without any notation are called ECNR passports or Emigration Certificate Not Required Passport. On the other hand, if the passport was issued before January 2007 without notation, they are called ECR passports. 

Do you know if your passport is ECNR?

To know if your passport is ECNR or not:

Check the stamp on your passport ( old booklet type). In case it is a non-ECR passport, it will not contain the ECR stamp.

Similarly, if you have a new type of passport booklet, just above the name of your father or guardian, ‘Emigration Check Required’ will be written.

Or, if your passport does not have stamping or printing of ECR status, then it is a non-ECR (ECNR) passport.

Would you like to learn ‘how to remove the ECNR stamp from your passport?’

To remove the ECR stamp from your passport, follow these steps:

1. Log in to passport.gov.in. To download the application, go to miscellaneous service.
2. Proceed with the deletion request of Emigration Check Required.
3. 2 copies of college, class 10th and 12th passing certificates are required. Attach these attested copies. Also, make sure to attach address proof like ration card or voter ID, etc.
4. The amount of the fee will be rs. 1500 and you would get a new passport with a new validity and a new number with ECNR to the passport.
5. Visit the nearest passport office and submit the form along with the required documents. 

Frequently asked questions.

1. Is it possible to get an emergency ECNR?

Yes, it is possible to procure an emergency ECNR from immigration officers. All you need to do is provide them with documents such as your educational qualification, an attested copy of the latest income tax return, and some more to the immigration officer. 

2. Which countries require ECNR?

Countries that require emigration clearance from POE are:

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

3. What should be submitted in non-ECR proof?

You can submit any one of the three documents mentioned below as documentary proof.

• Ration card
• Driving licence
• Voted ID card
• Adhar card
• PAN card
• Self passport