Latest news with #EmigrationCheckRequired
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gulf leads in migration with Saudi having highest Indian ECR workers
Mangaluru: Indian blue-collar workers constitute a significant portion of the workforce in several Gulf countries, notably Saudi Arabia. Recent data from five years indicates a strong trend of migration to the Gulf region for employment, particularly in the construction sector and other labour-intensive industries. Between Jan 2020 and June 2025, according to data shared by the ministry of external affairs in the Rajya Sabha on July 31, Indian expats working in blue-collar jobs are present in 14 countries, accounting for 16,06,964 individuals. The substantial number of Emigration Check Required (ECR) category workers in these countries underscores the economic ties and labour dynamics between India and the Gulf. Among the 14 countries, Saudi Arabia has the highest number of Indian workers, including those engaged in construction and labour-intensive work. The country currently has 695,269 workers, followed by the UAE (3,41,365 workers), Kuwait (2,01,959 workers), Qatar (1,53,501 workers), and Oman (1,16,840 workers). According to employers, mainly from Gulf countries, the revival of infrastructure and labour demand in Gulf countries started to see a notable surge in 2022 and 2023, with the highest number of workers (3,98,000) sent abroad in 2023 alone. In 2023, Saudi Arabia alone employed 2,00,713 labourers and 1,67,598 in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo In 2020 and 2021, the total number of blue-collar labourers moving abroad was 94,145 and 132,675, respectively. This year, as of June 2025, Saudi Arabia has recruited 71,175 workers; however, the UAE has the highest number, with 96,401 workers employed. Althaf Ullal, MD and CEO of Saad Al Qahtani Contracting (SAQCO) based in Al Khobar, said Saudi Arabia is experiencing a construction boom due to Vision 2030 projects, such as NEOM and The Line. Factors why Indian workers are preferred include their experience, reliability, and skills in construction trades, and understand Gulf culture and adapt easily. KA Sheikh Karnire, operations director at Expertise Contracting Company Limited in Saudi Arabia, also echoed Althaf's views. "Our company alone trains and recruits 4,000-5,000 blue-collar workers from India, including temporary assignments in Saudi Arabia," he said. Kuwait is also experiencing a high demand for labourers due to attractive compensation packages compared to other Gulf countries, according to Akash S Panwar, a Kuwait-based expatriate who has been running a construction company for the past two decades. Welfare measures The Union govt implemented multiple measures to protect and assist blue collar workers in times of distress. They include toll-free helplines, WhatsApp support, and mobile apps via Indian missions; Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSKs) in key cities; Pre-Departure Orientation and Training (PDOT) and the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojna (PBBY) for safer migration. Also, the utilisation of the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) worth Rs 703 crore since inception has benefited over 3.5 lakh Indians with legal, medical, and emergency assistance abroad.
NDTV
23-07-2025
- NDTV
Passport Renewal In India: What To Do, What To Carry, And What Not To Mess Up
If your passport is nearing its expiry date, has run out of pages, or requires an update in your name or address, it is time to apply for a renewal. The good news is that renewing an Indian passport is now extremely convenient. Thanks to the online Passport Seva system, you can apply for a re‑issue or renew your passport without needing police verification in certain cases. However, understanding the exact process, required documents, common pitfalls, and cost can help you avoid unnecessary confusion. Whether you are applying under the normal or Tatkal category, here is a straightforward guide to renewing your Indian passport. How To Renew Your Passport Online In India Follow these steps to complete your passport renewal: 1. Register On The Passport Seva Portal Visit the official Passport Seva Portal If you are a new user, click on 'New User Registration' Create your login credentials using your email ID and personal details 2. Fill Out The Passport Renewal Application Log in and choose 're‑issue of passport' on the overview page Click on 'Apply for fresh passport/re‑issue of passport' Select the reason for renewal: expiring passport, exhaustion of pages, or change in details Fill out the form with updated information Review the form thoroughly before submitting 3. Pay The Online Application Fee Click on 'Pay and Schedule Appointment' Choose your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), Post Office PSK (POPSK), or Regional Passport Office (RPO) Pay the applicable renewal fee online via card, UPI, or net banking 4. Schedule Your Appointment Slot Select a convenient appointment time and date Download and print the appointment confirmation receipt 5. Visit The PSK Or POPSK With Documents Carry original documents along with self‑attested photocopies Your documents will be verified at the centre Biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) will be taken You may also be interviewed by a passport officer 6. Police Verification Process (If Required) Police verification is not required in all cases It is mandatory if your passport expired more than three years ago or if your current address has changed If it applies, a local police officer will visit your residence for verification 7. Track Your Passport Application Status Online Use the 'Track Application Status' option under the 'Services' tab on the Passport Seva Portal Enter your application number and file number Track real‑time updates on your passport status Ensure you carry the following original documents along with self‑attested photocopies: 1. Old Passport (Mandatory) Self‑attested copies of the first and last two pages Any observation pages issued by the Passport Authority Self‑attested copy of ECR (Emigration Check Required) or Non‑ECR page 2. Proof Of Address (Submit Any One) Aadhaar Card Voter ID Electricity, water, or phone bill (within the last 12 months) Bank passbook or bank statement Registered rent agreement 3. Proof Of Date Of Birth Birth certificate School leaving certificate PAN card Aadhaar card All documents must be valid and up‑to‑date at the time of submission. An online 'Fee Calculator' is available on the Passport Seva Portal. Typical charges are: Adults (18+ years): Rs 1,500 for a 36‑page booklet Rs 3,500 for a Tatkal passport (36‑page) Rs 2,000 for a 60‑page booklet Rs 4,000 for a Tatkal passport (60‑page) Minors (Below 18 years): Rs 1,000 for a 36‑page booklet Rs 3,000 for a Tatkal passport Who Can Apply For Passport Renewal In India? Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible: Must be an Indian citizen by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation Must not have any pending criminal proceedings or arrest warrants For minors, consent from both parents or legal guardians is required For Tatkal applications, additional document verification may be needed Avoid these frequent errors to prevent delays: Incorrect spelling of name, date of birth or address Missing essential documents such as ECNR/Class X mark‑sheet Submitting blurred or unclear photocopies Cancelling or rescheduling your appointment more than three times Failing to include marriage certificate or Annexure J when adding spouse's name for the first time New Rules You Should Know: Biometric Passports And Marriage Certificate Prepare for these important updates: India began issuing biometric ('e‑passport') passports in 2025, piloted in select cities Since November 2024, a marriage certificate or Annexure J is mandatory for adding a spouse's name for the first time Here Are Common Questions People Ask About Passport Renewal: 1. When should I apply for renewal before my passport expires? You may apply up to one year before the expiry date. Early renewal helps avoid delays and ensures uninterrupted travel. 2. Is a marriage certificate mandatory to renew my passport? Photo: Unsplash Not for renewal alone. It is required only if you are adding your spouse's name for the first time. 3. How long does police verification take? Police verification usually takes between one and three weeks, depending on the local police station's workload. 4. What documents are needed if I am changing my name after marriage? Carry your marriage certificate or Annexure J, your current passport, proof of new address and identity, and updated PAN or Aadhaar if applicable.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- The Hindu
Two arrested for human trafficking
Two members of a human trafficking ring that targeted vulnerable individuals from Andhra Pradesh were arrested by the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) police and Shamshabad Special Operations Team (SOT). Following a tip-off, Chilukuri Balaji, 43, and Sunkara Shiva Kumar, 30, were arrested from a hotel in Nampally. The police seized 14 tampered visas and passports, police clearance certificates (PCCs), 16 flight tickets, and other incriminating documents. The scam came to light on May 13 following a complaint by Gandikota Venkata Ramana, a 38-year-old resident of West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, who stated that the Kuwait visa, issued on a tourist basis, was tampered with to conceal the real travel purpose. The complainant was one of eight women lured with promises of lucrative jobs in Kuwait, only to realise at RGIA that the passport had been illegally altered, showing a 'cancelled' visa stamp to mislead immigration officers. Investigations revealed that Balaji and Shiva Kumar, both self-styled Gulf travel agents, were running a widespread network of sub-agents across Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai. Operating under Srinivasa Global Recruits, the duo forged travel documents, tampered with visas, and coordinated with medical diagnostic centres in Hyderabad to process pre-departure formalities. After collecting victim's passports, fraudsters also arranged accommodation near Nampally before transporting them to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for travel. Their modus operandi involved two levels - they stamped genuine work visas with a fake 'cancelled' imprint and paired them with tourist visas and round-trip tickets, to fool immigration at departure; second - they removed cancellation marks and presented original work documents, police clearance certificates (PCCs) and boarding passes at the point of entry in the Gulf countries. Victims were instructed to destroy all tourist-related documents mid-journey to avoid detection. Balaji collected ₹5,000 and ₹8,000 from the victims in the form of fee for visa, medical clearances and flight bookings. Police also said that sub-agents paid as much as ₹60,000 per person, out of which the accused retained ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 as commission. The scam exploited gaps in emigration protocols. While ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport holders can travel with original work visas and PCCs, ECR (Emigration Check Required) holders require additional documents including a POE (Protector of Emigrants) clearance. The accused bypassed these regulations, sending people on tourist visas without job contracts or insurance, exposing them to exploitation abroad. Further investigation and efforts to trace the remaining accused are underway.
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Indian Express
2 Hyderabad men held for trafficking workers to Gulf by forging work visas
The Cyberabad police Thursday busted a gang allegedly involved in a scheme to tamper with passports and visas to traffic people to Gulf countries illegally, and arrested two men. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) police, along with the Special Operations Team (SOT) of the Shamshabad Zone, arrested Chilukuri Balaji, 43, and Sunkara Shiva Kumar, 30, both operating as travel agents, from Nampally in the city. According to a police statement, the agents targeted vulnerable people from Andhra Pradesh and other regions, promising high-paying jobs in Gulf countries like Kuwait and Oman. The modus operandi involved passport and visa tampering, where the accused procured visas, sometimes through fraudulent channels, and tampered with passports. This included stamping work visas with 'cancelled' to make them appear as tourist visas, thus bypassing immigration checks. The police action followed a complaint filed on May 13, 2025, by Gandikota Venkata Ramana, who alleged that agents, including Balaji, had deceived her and others, attempting to send them to Kuwait on tourist visas, despite holding Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports. Police investigation found that the accused exploited ECR passport holders (those who have not completed SSC), who require a Protect of Emigrant (POE) certificates, work contracts, and insurance for overseas employment. Not only did the agents circumvent these requirements, but they also forged work visa documentation, the police said. The accused earned a profit of Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 per person after covering expenses, the police said. 'The accused, Balaji and Shiva Kumar, are exploiting the desire of many people to seek employment in the Gulf (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Doha, etc.). They, along with absconding accomplices Anji and Satyanarayana, operate a human trafficking scheme. Through sub-agents in Andhra Pradesh, they target poor and illiterate individuals, collect their passports, and obtain work visas. However, these agents do not follow the legal requirements for processing work visas, such as obtaining POE certificates, insurance, and job contracts,' said K Srinivas Rao, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Shamshabad division). According to him, the accused illegally created and tampered with visas and other documents. 'Victims are then sent from Indian airports using tourist visas. Once onboard the flight, the tourist visa documents are discarded, and victims are instructed to present the altered or fraudulent work visa documentation upon arrival at immigration counters in the Gulf countries. This entire system, orchestrated by Anji and Satyanarayana, constitutes human trafficking,' he explained. The police recovered 14 tampered passports, 14 Gulf countries visas, 16 copies of round-trip flight tickets from RGI Airport to Muscat, among other things, such as two stamps, one stamp pad, seven cell phones and one Laptop. The arrested are associates of absconding main agents, Satyanarayana and Anji alias Penegalapati Ramanjaneyulu, said the police. Police investigations revealed that Balaji operated under a false identity, 'Srinivasa Global Recruits,' and was involved in a previous criminal case in Punjab. Shiva Kumar assisted in recruiting victims, collecting payments, and facilitating the fraudulent documentation process. An FIR has been registered under sections 318(4), 336(3), 340(2), and 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and 12 (1)(a)(b) of the Passport Act. The police are continuing their investigation to apprehend the others in the racket.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Time of India
Three arrested for making fake marksheet
Indore: Three persons were arrested on Monday for allegedly making fake marksheets to prepare passport under ECNR category. "In the context of Indian passports, ECR stands for Emigration Check Required, while ECNR stands for Emigration Check Not Required. ECR passports are typically issued to individuals who haven't completed their 10th standard and may be more vulnerable to exploitation when traveling abroad for employment. ECNR passports are for those who have completed their 10th standard or higher, and are generally exempt from emigration clearance requirements," DCP Abhinay Vishwakarma said. The DCP said that the accused had MP Online Kiosk and under the guise of operating an open university, they provided study materials to the applicant and held 'exams' before issuing them 10th class marksheet. "One of the persons, whom the accused had issued the marksheet, had made a complaint after his application to prepare the passport under ECNR category got rejected," the senior police official said. A police team was formed by Khajrana police station in-charge Manoj Singh Sendhav, which gathered intelligence on persons involved in the illegal activities . During this process, the police caught a cyber cafe operator Javed Khan, who was involved in creating fake marksheets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo The police team searched the cyber cafe and found hundreds of fake marksheets. A case was registered against Khan of Srinagar Kakad, and he was taken into custody. During the interrogation, the names of other persons involved in the racket surfaced. Remaining two accused were identified as Mohammad Azharuddin and Mohammad Riyaz, residents of Hina Palace, and they were arrested. "The arrested accused are being interrogated to uncover the involvement of other individuals in this racket. Further legal action will be taken based on the information obtained during the ongoing investigation," Vishwakarma said.
