As per Emigration act 1983 certain categories of Indian Passport Holders require to obtain Emigration Clearance from the office of the protector of Emigrants (POE) for going to certain countries.

As per the Emigration act, it means living of any Indian citizen with the intent of taking up employment in a foreign country.

All Indian passports are divided into two categories

• Passport with Endorsement – Emigration Check Required (ECR)
• Passport with endorsement not required – Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR)

For the passport issued before January 2007, no notation in the passport means ECR.

For passports issued after January 2007, no notation in the passport means ECNR. If emigration check is required there will be an endorsement in the passport regarding ECR.

The idea behind ECR is for the safety of the Indian citizen due to the legal condition of other countries and it is based on various situations and conditions.