In short
- Check that your recruiting agent is registered, on the government's eMigrate portal.
- If your passport is marked “Emigration Check Required” (ECR) and you are going to work in one of the ECR countries, you need emigration clearance before you travel.
- Confirm the offer directly with the foreign employer. Never pay anyone who cannot show they are a registered agent.
- If something goes wrong, there is a free government helpline and an online complaint route (details below).
From official sources
These points come from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) eMigrate portal (page footer: last updated 17 October 2026) and the MEA page FAQ on Issues of Intending Emigrants (page footer: last updated 21 February 2024). We checked both on 22 October 2026. Where they differ, we say so and follow eMigrate, which is newer.
- Who needs emigration clearance: eMigrate says that people holding ECR passports need emigration clearance when going abroad for employment to one of the designated ECR countries or regions. MEA adds that ECR passport holders going to an ECR country for other purposes do not need it. MEA also says that passports without the ECR endorsement are treated as ECNR, and their holders do not need emigration clearance.
- The ECR countries/regions, as listed by eMigrate (18): Afghanistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. eMigrate also says that issuing emigration clearance for Libya and Yemen is currently suspended. (MEA's older FAQ page gives a list of 17 that does not include Thailand. Use the eMigrate list.)
- Insurance: eMigrate describes the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) as mandatory insurance for all ECR-category workers going to ECR countries for employment.
- Documents for emigration clearance (MEA FAQ, February 2024): for skilled and semi-skilled workers applying directly, MEA lists a passport valid for at least six months with a valid visa, the employment contract from the foreign employer, the challan for the prescribed fee, and the PBBY insurance policy. For unskilled workers and women workers, MEA says the employment contract must be attested by the Indian Embassy, or there must be a permission letter from the Embassy or Consulate. This list is from the older MEA page; check the current requirements on eMigrate when you apply.
- Checking an agent: MEA says you can check registered recruiting agents on eMigrate. eMigrate has a “Find Recruiting Agent” search, lists of active and non-active agents, and a list of unregistered agencies against which grievances were received.
- Checking an offer letter: MEA's advice is to contact the foreign company directly to confirm the letter is genuine.
- Complaints and help: MEA says a complaint against a recruiting agent can be registered on eMigrate or sent to the Protector General of Emigrants. eMigrate lists a toll-free helpline, 1800 11 3090 (also +91-11-2688-5021 and WhatsApp +91 74283 21144). The older MEA FAQ gives the same toll-free number for the Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC).
- Official alerts: eMigrate publishes advisories, including warnings about fake job offers in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and the Netherlands, and an advisory on overcharging by recruiting agents.
Women under 30 and ECR countries: check before you rely on this
MEA's FAQ page (last updated 21 February 2024) says that emigration clearance is not granted to women below 30 years of age for any kind of employment in an ECR country. According to that page, the rule does not apply to women whose passports are not ECR-endorsed, or to women going to ECNR countries. It also says that women returning to the same foreign employer after leave can get a “no objection certificate” from the Protector of Emigrants.
We could not find this rule on the current eMigrate pages we checked, so we cannot confirm that it still applies in this form. If it affects you, ask the Protector of Emigrants or call 1800 11 3090 before you accept an offer or pay anything.
Step by step
- Get the offer in writing. You should have the employer's name, the job title, the place of work and the salary in writing before you pay for anything or travel.
- Check who is recruiting you. If an agent is involved, search for them with “Find Recruiting Agent” on eMigrate. Also check eMigrate's list of unregistered agencies against which grievances were received.
- Confirm the offer with the employer. Contact the company yourself, using contact details you found independently (its official website), not only the numbers given to you by the agent.
- Check your passport and the destination. Find out whether your passport is ECR-endorsed, and whether the country is on eMigrate's current ECR list. If both are true and you are going for work, you need emigration clearance before you leave. Check too that clearance for that country is not suspended.
- Apply for emigration clearance if needed. This is done through eMigrate, either directly or through your registered agent. Keep copies of your contract and your PBBY insurance policy.
- Get the right visa. Your employer and the destination country's rules decide this. A visit visa is not a work visa: do not travel to work on a visit visa.
- Keep the helpline numbers. Save 1800 11 3090 and the eMigrate helpdesk number before you travel.
Who does what
| Usually the employer or registered agent | You |
|---|---|
| Provides the written employment contract and the visa or work permit process required by the destination country | Reads the contract before signing, and keeps a copy |
| Applies for emigration clearance on your behalf, if recruiting through a registered agent | Checks the agent is registered, and never hands over a passport without a receipt |
| Is registered on eMigrate (for registered agents and listed foreign employers) | Buys the PBBY insurance when emigration clearance is needed, and keeps emergency contacts |
This table is general guidance. The exact split depends on your contract and the destination country's rules.
Warning signs of a recruitment scam
- You are asked to pay before you have a written offer, or you are told to pay into a personal bank account or by UPI to an individual.
- The agent is not on eMigrate, or will not give you a registration number you can check.
- You are told to travel on a tourist or visit visa and “convert it” later.
- The job, salary or country changes after you have paid.
- Someone keeps your passport without a written receipt.
eMigrate has published advisories about fake job offers in several countries. Read the current ones on the eMigrate home page before you accept an offer.
Fees
MEA refers to a “prescribed fee” for emigration clearance but does not state the amount. eMigrate has an “Emigration Clearance Fee” payment page and a document called “Expenses to be borne by Emigrants during the EC” (in the Emigrant menu). We have not reproduced any amounts here. Check the current figures on eMigrate, and pay only through the official route.
Official sources
- eMigrate portal, Ministry of External Affairs (site last updated 17 October 2026; checked 22 October 2026)
- Ministry of External Affairs, FAQ on Issues of Intending Emigrants (page last updated 21 February 2024; checked 22 October 2026)
- Helpline: toll-free 1800 11 3090 (as listed on eMigrate)
Last reviewed: 22 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Private Job is not a recruiting agent and never charges job seekers.