Dubai is the first choice of greener pastures in terms of employment, business prospects, and lifestyle for most Indians. But if you are an ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport holder or wants to relocate to dubai with ECR Passport, then it is a bit tough compared to the Non-ECR passport holders. ECR passport is usually given to those who have not passed the 10th standard or fall under specific work categories as specified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This implies that extra screening is necessary prior to your departure abroad for employment.
If you are relocating to dubai with ECR Passport, you should follow the correct steps carefully so that you are not facing immigration issues. We will run through the complete process and discuss practical solutions which can readily make your migration a piece of cake.
Understanding ECR Passport and Its Problems
An ECR passport is one to which the passenger has to get clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) prior to departure to specific countries of work. The Gulf region, including the UAE, falls in this category.
Drawbacks of traveling on an ECR passport are:
- Increased documentation at the immigration.
- Compulsory clearance through the MEA’s eMigrate portal.
- Reduced freedom of direct travel to work without pre-clearances.
- All the same, it is always possible to migrate to Dubai on an ECR passport if one is aware of how and strategically maneuver.
Solution 1: Reclassify Your Passport to Non-ECR
The simplest solution to relocate to dubai with ECR Passport in the long term is to change your ECR passport to Non-ECR passport. If you have higher education qualifications or are eligible on other grounds, you can apply at Passport Seva Kendra for Non-ECR reissue of your passport.
Eligibility for Non-ECR:
- Having a certificate of 10th standard pass.
- Having a higher education qualification (diploma, degree, etc.).
- Having a valid income tax payer certificate.
By changing to Non-ECR, you avoid going through the process of POE clearance, and travel becomes very hassle-free. But sometimes it takes time, so if you are short of time, you need to look at options.
Solution 2: Get POE Clearance (eMigrate Process)
If you can’t make a change in your passport on short notice, then you need to get clearance from Protector of Emigrants (POE) through the eMigrate portal.
Process involved
- Register yourself on the eMigrate portal (managed by MEA).
- Provide passport details, employment contract, and other relevant documents.
- Your Dubai employer will also need to be registered with the eMigrate system.
- POE clearance after approval will enable you to travel legally for work.
But this takes too long, is annoying, and requires coordination of your employer, recruiter, and government. The majority of the applicants are rejected or delayed because their documents are invalid. That is why some did not prefer this way.
Solution 3: Travel on a Tourist Visa and Change to Employment
Another helpful measure to attempt to do for individuals who are going to migrate Dubai on ECR Passport is to travel first on a tourist visa and then convert it to a work visa.
Here is how you can attempt to do that:
- Obtain a tourist visa to Dubai, which will automatically get approved.
- Travel to Dubai legally without POE clearance because you are indeed going as a tourist.
- Once in Dubai, get a job and have a company offer you employment.
- Your employer then upgrades your tourist visa to an employment visa by paying the AED 1000 conversion fee.
- This saves you the inconvenience of going through the long POE approval process, but ensure that you have an actual job offer and the company is ready to sponsor your work visa.
The UAE Company Registration Role
For individuals who will be working in Dubai, UAE company registration is also an option, too. Dubai UAE company registration provides several options for the establishment of business such as:
- Mainland companies
- Free zone companies
- Offshore companies
Business registration will also help you to get a residency visa, rather than being subjected to the workplace restrictions of ECR passports. This is the perfect option for entrepreneurs and investors who need to stay in Dubai without relying on work visas.
Practical Guidance for ECR Passport Holders Relocating to Dubai
- Do not engage with illegal recruiters: A few unauthorised recruiters exploit ECR passport holders by way of employment offers that are not real. Test your recruiter always on the eMigrate portal.
- Have everything ready: Passport, degree certificates, work contract, and medical reports.
- Select the best for you: If you are qualified, utilize Non-ECR. Otherwise, go for POE clearance or tourist visa conversion option.
- Know your rights in the UAE: The UAE labor laws safeguard the employees, so register and legalize your contract.
- Pursue business opportunities: UAE company registration can earn you residency and long-term residence.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Shift Dubai with ECR Passport
- Check whether you can change to Non-ECR – Request reissue of passport in the event of eligibility.
- In the event not possible, utilize POE clearance – Knock on the door of your Dubai employer for eMigrate procedure.
- Alternate route: tourist visa – Visit Dubai with tourist visa and then change status to employment visa by paying AED 1000 conversion fee.
- For entrepreneurs: Utilize UAE firm registration for temporary or permanent residence and commerce chances.
Conclusion
While it may appear difficult to relocate to Dubai on an ECR passport, it isn’t. With a plan either by changing your passport to Non-ECR, POE clearance, or coming first on a tourist visa you can actually make the start of life in Dubai. And for those who would like to take the beginning with companies, UAE company registration opens doors to stability as well as long-term opportunities.
With the understanding of the processes of the law and good planning on your relocation, you can have a smooth and hassle-free relocation to Dubai even with the limitation of having an ECR passport.
FAQs
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Can I move directly Dubai on work with ECR Passport?
No. Protector of Emigrants (POE) clearance on the eMigrate portal is required by ECR passport holders prior to migrating for work. If you fail to obtain clearance, you could be blacklisted by the immigration. Alternatively, you can travel on a tourist visa and then have it converted into a work visa in Dubai.
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How to convert ECR passport to Non-ECR passport?
You can avail reissue of the passport at Passport Seva Kendra on the production of evidence of eligibility, like 10th pass certificate, educational qualification higher than 10th, or income tax payer certificate. You would not require POE clearance for foreign employment, including Dubai, once you are Non-ECR.
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How much is Dubai tourist visa to employment visa fee?
If you have come to Dubai on a tourist visa and subsequently get a job, your sponsor can change your visa status to employment visa. It will cost you approximately AED 1000, and it has the change status included. It is quicker compared to POE clearance in India.
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Is the UAE company registration process available for ECR passport holders?
Yes. In case you plan to initiate your company in Dubai, UAE company registration would be an appropriate choice. On company registration (mainland, free zone, or offshore), you may get a residency visa under which you can reside and work in Dubai without coming under the ECR employment ban.
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What happens if I travel without POE clearance on an ECR passport?
If you try to travel on work without POE clearance, Indian immigration officials can prevent you from boarding the flight at the airport. This leads to loss of money, time wastage, and even blacklisting. To save all this, always play it by earbook—either get POE clearance, have your passport converted to Non-ECR, or travel on the tourist visa mode and convert your status legally in Dubai.
If you need further assistance or have any doubts, our experts are here to help you. Call us: 8881-069-069.
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