"Non-ECR" in a passport stands for "Non-Emigration Check Required". It is a category of passport that is issued to Indian citizens who are not required to obtain an emigration clearance certificate from the Indian government before traveling to certain countries for work or other purposes. The following individuals are eligible for a Non-ECR passport:

• All holders of Diplomatic/Official Passports
• All Gazetted Government servants, their spouses, and dependent children
• All children up to the age of 18 years (For re-issue of passport, after they attain the age of 18 years, documents to prove their non-ECR category has to be submitted, else ECR stamping will be done)
• Income-Tax payers (including Agricultural Income-Tax payees) in their individual capacity, their spouses, and dependent children below the age of 18 years
• Persons holding Permanent Immigration Visa, such as the visas of UK, USA, and Australia

If an individual is not eligible for a Non-ECR passport, they will be issued an Emigration Check Required (ECR) passport.