The list
The 17 countries that need emigration clearance.
Emigration clearance is required for employment in 17 countries. The Ministry lists them by name.
Photo: Vlada Karpovich · Pexels
In short
- The Ministry says these countries do not have strict laws on the entry and employment of foreign nationals, or avenues for grievance redressal.
- On a visit, residence or study visa, an ECR passport holder travels with a valid passport, a valid visa and a return ticket.
The official wording
Emigration clearance is required only for 17 countries namely Afganistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Indonesia, Kingdom of saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Libiya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, UAE and Yemen.
- Afghanistan
- Bahrain
- Iraq
- Indonesia
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Jordan
- Libya
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Sudan
- Syria
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
Not legal advice. This page repeats an official source as read on 21 September 2026. Rules change: open the source before you act. GetJobVia is a coordination platform, not a recruiting agent.
Most useful for
More rules.
The full guideEmigration Act, 1983
Who may recruit Indians for jobs abroad
Only a recruiting agent registered with the Protector General of Emigrants. Ask to see the original Registration Certificate before you deal with anyone.
Active recruiting agents
How to check a recruiting agent
The Ministry of External Affairs publishes whether a recruiting agent is registered and active, and says its list is updated daily.
Passport status
17ECR and ECNR passports
A passport endorsed ECR needs emigration clearance before travel for a job in one of 17 listed countries. A passport with no ECR endorsement is ECNR and does not.