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There is no denying that a passport is an essential document one requires while travelling abroad. However, some additional requirements grab our attention as well, such as formalities for travelling to an ECR country where Emigration Clearance from the Office of Port of Entry (PoE) is essential.
Additionally, if you travel on a long-term visa (LTV) for work and residence, you must apply for your passport's PCC. This article will elaborate on the meaning and significance of PCC in Passports.
What is PCC in Passport?
PCC in passport parlance, refers to the Police Clearance Certificate.
An Indian Passport holder has to get police clearance if s/he has applied for the following formalities about the migration:
- Residential Status
- Overseas Employment
- LTV and/or
- Immigration
Now that you know what is the meaning of PCC in passport, let’s discover the ways to apply for it.
How to Apply for the PCC at an Indian Mission?
To apply for a PCC passport online, you can follow the below-mentioned steps:
- You need to download the application form for PCC from the website of Indian Embassy and submit the same, along with the supportive documents specified there.
- The respective Indian Embassy will send your PCC application to the concerned Passport Issuing Authority (PIA) in India.
- Upon verification of all the documents and receipt of the Passport PCC status report from PIA, the Indian Embassy will issue the PCC to you.
Note: Foreign nationals must obtain the PCC from the District Police or the FRRO at their residence in India. The Indian Embassy may attest copies of such a certificate on original production.
Now that you know the application procedure of passport PCC online, note down the documents required for PCC at a Passport office.
What are the Documents Required for PCC at Passport Office?
Individuals seeking work visas need to submit different documents for PCC of Passport, as per their mode of Visa application. Here is a complete document checklist for the PCC of passports of working professionals in India:
For Skilled/Semi-Skilled Workers (Self-application)
Working individuals who have signed an employment contract directly with a foreign employer must submit copies of the following documents:
- Old passport with self-attested Xerox copy of its first 2 and last 2 pages (incl. ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation).
- Proof of Address (only if the address is changed)
- Self-attested copy of the Employment Contract with the foreign employer.
- Valid visa (only if the visa is obtained) and its Official translation in English if it is in any other language.
For Skilled/Semi-Skilled Workers (Applied Through Recruiting Agent)
Those workers who have signed an employment contract with a foreign employer through a Recruiting Agent recognised by the Protectorate of Emigrants must furnish copies of the following documents:
- Old passport with self-attested Xerox copy of its first 2 and last 2 pages (incl. ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation)
- Proof of Address (only if the address is changed)
- Employment Contract, demand letter and PoA from the foreign employer signed and verified by the Recruiting Agent.
- Valid registration certificate issued by the Protectorate of Emigrants, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India.
For Unskilled Workers and Women Workers (Applied Through Recruiting Agent)
There is a separate set of documents for unskilled workers and female workers. Suppose they have entered into employment contracts with the foreign employer through Recruiting Agents recognised by the Protectorate of Emigrants. In that case, individuals must submit all the documents specified for the skilled/semiskilled workers.
Note:
The Employment Contract, demand letter and PoA from the overseas employer should be signed and verified by the concerned Indian Mission and the Recruiting Agent.
Which Documents Do I Need to Submit if I’m migrating to a Non-ECR country?
Suppose you are immigrating to a non-ECR country. In that case, you need to submit the following documents for your PCC in passport:
- Your old passport, along with the self-attested Xerox copy of its first 2 and last 2 pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page that shows that your passport is Non-ECR and the page of observation (if any).
- Proof of Address (only if the address is changed)
- Documents for proof of application for Residential Status (PR Visa application), Overseas Employment (Copy of Employment contract), LTV or immigration.
Documents Required for Family Members Wishing to Emigrate
You may wonder if your immediate family members can apply for PCC or not or what documents are required for the PCC if a family member wishes to migrate.
Well, the answer is YES. They can apply.
The dependent family members who wish to migrate to the ECR/non-ECR country where you are emigrating or currently residing, may have to submit the same documents for their PCC.
However, additional documentation that includes a Sponsorship Declaration by you or the person sponsoring the emigration of your dependent family member(s) is also required.
When is PCC in Passport not Required?
PCC is not required for passport holders who wish to go abroad on a Tourist Visa. As the Police Clearance procedure is only mandatory for the immigrants migrating for work. Simply put, PCC passport applies to the work immigrants.
Quick Tips on PCC Application
Where to Apply For Passport PCC Online?
You need to apply for the passport PCC online at the website of an Indian Mission.
You may visit the website of the Ministry of External Affairs to know the list of the Indian Missions Abroad.
What is the PCC Passport Fees?
The government fee you need to pay for the application for the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is Rs 500/-.
How much is the Passport PCC Validity?
PCC is valid for 6 months. You must apply for renewal of your PCC passport well in advance before planning to apply for a PR or renewal of your work permit/study visa, etc.
To Conclude,
The Indian government has made the entire PCC passport application process quite swift and seamless. As explained above, you can now easily apply for the PCC for your ECR/Non-ECR passport.
Besides, your emigration plan should be complete with an appropriate Travel Insurance Plan covering travel emergencies such as loss of passport, checked-in baggage or other travel-related perils.
International travel insurance offered by Care Health Insurance can be a good option to prepare yourself for an unanticipated crises leading to financial loss. The policy offers comprehensive coverage the Care Assistance Provider in India will provide you access to the Consulate or Embassy of the host country.
Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
