Note 16 January, 2007: ECNR IS EXTENDED TO 173 NATIONS:
Liberalising the emigration process in the country further, ministry of overseas Indian affairs has extended the Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) status to 173 Countries. This was conveyed by the ministry in a notification issued under Section 41 of the Emigration Act. 

With the new Central notification, emigration clearance or suspension of the emigration check requirement will be applicable only in 19 countries of the world. This include the United Arab Emigrates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Malaysia, Libya, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Brunei, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Syria, Lebanon, Thailand and Iraq, where emigration is banned. 

As per the Emigration Act of 1983, all residents who have the requirement for an ECR mentioned in their passport need to obtain a clearance in case of employment visa, or a suspension, in case of a visit visa from the office of protector of emigrants. Earlier applicable to 53 countries, the ECNR countries have now been increased to 173. In a recent decision, the ministry of overseas affairs also decided to relax the educational requirement for ECNR passport holders. According to the new rules, all those who have passed their Class 10 will now be granted ECNR in their passports. 

It has also been decided that the eligibility requirement to grant ECNR for those above 18 will be done on the basis of their qualification, income-tax assessment or certain other criteria. 

All children up to the age of 18 have also been made eligible for getting the endorsement on their passport. 

Given below is a Government of India site link for more information.

ECNR / ECR / POE / PIO

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