ECR and Non-ECR are categories of Indian passports that indicate whether an individual requires an emigration check for travel or not. The main differences between the two are:
- ECR (Emigration Check Required) Passport : This category is for those who have not passed their 10th grade or do not have certificates for the same. ECR passport holders must undergo an emigration check before traveling to specific countries, which is designed to provide freedom of work for people who want to work in other countries
- Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) Passport : This category is for those who have passed their 10th grade or possess higher educational qualifications. Non-ECR passport holders can travel worldwide without an emigration clearance
The Indian Emigration Act of 1983 states that Indians can travel to certain countries for employment, education, or leisure purposes. ECR and Non-ECR statuses are assigned based on educational qualifications and job categories
. For ECR passport holders, the emigration clearance process ensures that unskilled workers go through properly certified channels and safeguards them from exploitation
. This process typically involves providing additional documentation for emigration clearance, such as birth or supporting documents, and may also require a medical examination
. On the other hand, Non-ECR passport holders have fewer documentation requirements and can travel without obtaining emigration clearance
. The absence of the ECR notation in the passport signifies a Non-ECR status
