Going abroad for a job, safely
You know whether your agent is genuine, whether you need emigration clearance, which insurance to take, and whom to call if you are in trouble abroad.
About this guidePending verification
Published on 12-11-2026. Not every fact has been checked against its official source yet: confirm at the office.
For whom: People of Andhra Pradesh who want to go abroad for a job (especially to the Gulf), those already working there, and their families.
In an emergency, call at once
18001103090Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (Ministry of External Affairs), 24 hours; free from India08632340678APNRTS 24/7 helpline (Government of Andhra Pradesh)Answer the questions below first. Then the documents and steps open.
1Your situation
We show only what your answers need.
- Which of these are you?
- Is "ECR" printed in your passport?
- Where is the job?
- How did you get this job?
Your answers stay on this phone.
Each step below says who it is for. Confirm yours at the office, then change your answer here.
Another route for you
Emigration clearance and PBBY insurance are for citizens of India (the ECR category is for Indian citizens' passports). An OCI cardholder is a foreign national holding a foreign passport, not a citizen of India (Ministry of Home Affairs notification S.O. 1050(E), 2021).
→ For trouble abroad, contact the embassy of the country whose passport you hold. APNRTS's pages speak of Non-Resident Telugus and of people from Andhra Pradesh living abroad; they do not say whether an OCI cardholder is covered. Ask its 24/7 helpline (+91 863 2340678, WhatsApp +91 85000 27678).
Sources: 10, 8, 11, 13, 16, 17
Another route for you
Emigration clearance and PBBY insurance are for citizens of India (the ECR category is for Indian citizens' passports). This guide does not apply to foreign nationals.
→ For trouble abroad, contact the embassy of the country whose passport you hold.
Sources: 10, 8
2Documents you need
Tick the ones you have. They are kept in this browser.
Details
Sources: 10, 2
Details
Any one of: class 10 (matriculation) pass or higher certificate; proof of being over 50; a two-year diploma recognised by NCVT/SCVT or a three-year polytechnic diploma; a recognised nursing qualification; a professional degree; proof of income tax paid last year (not a nil return) with PAN; proof of more than three years spent abroad; being a gazetted government servant
Not confirmed: Attach a self-attested photocopy and show the original at the counter. The gazetted, income-tax and professional-degree categories also cover the spouse and dependent children; the three-years-abroad category also covers the spouse. There are a few more categories (seamen, holders of a permanent residence visa, children); ask at the Passport Seva Kendra.
Sources: 10
Details
Signed by the foreign employer, the agent (if any) and you, with the job, the salary and other benefits written in it
If you don't have it: The employer or the agent gives it.
Sources: 5, 2
Details
Not a tourist visa
If you don't have it: The employer arranges it.
Sources: 5, 2
Details
If the employer is registered on eMigrate: the Job ID, the Job Code and the signed contract. If not: a demand letter attested by the Indian Mission, the signed contract and a copy of the visa
If you don't have it: The employer must give them to you.
Sources: 2
Details
If you don't have it: Online on eMigrate, or from an insurance company registered with IRDAI.
Sources: 8, 1, 20
Details
If you don't have it: The agent must give it for what you pay.
Sources: 5
Details
Any one of: visa, Civil ID, Iqama, work permit, employment contract
Sources: 16, 17
Details
Only if the address in the passport is different
Not confirmed: The page does not say which documents count as address proof; ask the helpline.
Sources: 16, 17
Nothing to get ready before these steps.
3Your steps
· Do them in order. Tick each one when it is done.
- Do this nowIf: In one of these 18 countries: UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Malaysia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Indonesia, Afghanistan (the passport booklet's list has Brunei and not South Sudan: if your job is in either, check on eMigrate or ask PBSK)
eMigrate's home page says the issue of emigration clearance for Libya and Yemen is at present suspended; if your job is in either, ask PBSK (1800 11 3090) before you pay anyone or travel.
Sources: 1
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India
If you go through an agent: before you pay, check on the eMigrate website, under "List of active RA" (or "Find Recruiting Agent"), that the agent is registered with the Ministry of External Affairs.
A registered agent has a licence number, shown in their office and in their advertisements. Do not trust "agents" who talk only on WhatsApp or Facebook and will not give their address.
Open the official pageSources: 5, 2
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India
If you go through an agent: a registered agent may not take more than ₹30,000 + 18% GST from you as the service charge.
Ask for a receipt for what you pay.
Sources: 5
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India
Before you leave, have the employment contract in your hand: signed by the foreign employer, the agent (if any) and you, with the job and the salary written in it.
Go for work only on an employment visa, never on a tourist visa.
Sources: 5
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India
Before you travel, take Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT), where you learn about the conditions and laws of the country you are going to.
APNRTS (Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society), the Andhra Pradesh government body, offers this training; ask its 24/7 helpline where and when. eMigrate's list of PDOT centres names two in Andhra Pradesh: the OMCAP office at the Government ITI Campus, Vijayawada (phone 08074553456), and a private firm in Kadapa.
Not confirmed
The APNRTS page lists the service but gives no centres, dates or fee. eMigrate's list appears to show Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Vijayawada centre, and late arrivals are not let in; it does not say whether there is a fee. Phone the helpline or the centre and ask.
Sources: 5, 15, 12, 17, 6
- Do this nowIf: I do not have a passport yet
Get a passport first.
If you passed class 10 or are over 50 (or fall in another Non-ECR category), mark "Non-ECR" as yes in the application and give the proof; otherwise ECR is printed in the passport. Come back to this guide once you have it.
Open the official pageSources: 10
- Do this nowIf: Yes, it says ECR
If ECR is printed but you now fall in a Non-ECR category (for example you have passed class 10, or are over 50), you can apply for a re-issue of the passport for "ECR Deletion".
Once ECR is removed, you do not need emigration clearance for a job. For a job in Iraq, eMigrate registration is still needed even with a Non-ECR passport; the airport checks it before you travel.
Open the official pageSources: 10, 2
- Do this nowIf: No, ECR is not printed anywhere
As ECR is not printed in your passport, you do not need emigration clearance to go for a job.
If you wish, you can register on eMigrate voluntarily and take PBBY insurance. Iraq is the exception: for a job there, eMigrate registration is compulsory even with a Non-ECR passport (the employer enters your details from its own login), and the airport checks it before you travel. On PBBY, the 2017 scheme also names workers in the Emigration Act's job categories whatever their passport, while eMigrate's answer on Iraq says it is not compulsory for Non-ECR workers; ask PBSK.
Open the official pageSources: 1, 2, 8
- Do this nowIf: No, ECR is not printed anywhereIf: In one of these 18 countries: UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Malaysia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Indonesia, Afghanistan (the passport booklet's list has Brunei and not South Sudan: if your job is in either, check on eMigrate or ask PBSK)
If you are going as a nurse: nurses going to these 18 countries need emigration clearance even with a passport without ECR.
Open the official pageNot confirmed
This is in eMigrate's instructions to employers; we did not find the order that sets the rule. Ask PBSK (1800 11 3090) or the Protector of Emigrants' office who may recruit nurses and how.
Sources: 4, 1
- Do this nowIf: Yes, it says ECRIf: In another country
Even with ECR in your passport, you do not need emigration clearance for a job outside these 18 countries.
Check the agent, the contract and the visa as above.
Sources: 1, 10
- Do this nowIf: Yes, it says ECRIf: In one of these 18 countries: UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Malaysia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Indonesia, Afghanistan (the passport booklet's list has Brunei and not South Sudan: if your job is in either, check on eMigrate or ask PBSK)
Take Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) insurance: it is compulsory for those who need emigration clearance.
It pays ₹10 lakh for accidental death, or for permanent disability that ends your job, while working abroad; hospital costs up to ₹1 lakh (up to ₹50,000 each time); up to ₹45,000 for court costs in a job dispute, if the Indian Mission certifies the case is needed; and in some cases repays your fare home, on the Mission's certificate. It gives no benefit if there is a war or internal conflict in the country you went to work in, or where the Government has advised against travel. Your nominee also gets a copy of the policy. If you go through a registered agent, the agent must buy it for you.
Open the official pageSources: 8, 1, 5, 2
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen already working abroad
You can also take the Andhra Pradesh government's "Pravasandhra Bharosa Bima" (PBB): for people aged 18 to 60 working abroad on a work visa (in ECR and non-ECR countries alike).
₹590 for 3 years (with GST). ₹10 lakh for accidental death or permanent disability, medical costs up to ₹1 lakh over the policy period (up to ₹50,000 each hospital stay), legal costs up to ₹45,000 in job disputes. It does not cover natural death. Register on the APNRTS website, or with the help of its 24/7 helpline; family members can give the details too. The policy bond comes within 15 working days; cover starts from the bond date.
Open the official pageNot confirmed
The insurance page gives the WhatsApp number as +91 85005 27678; the home and FAQ pages give +91 85000 27678, which most pages use.
Sources: 16, 17
- Do this nowIf: Through a registered recruiting agent
Your agent registers your details on eMigrate (Emigrant Registration) and applies for emigration clearance (EC).
The Protector of Emigrants (PoE) grants the clearance online through eMigrate. Get the application number (ARN) from the agent and check the status yourself on eMigrate.
Open the official pageNot confirmed
eMigrate says a fee is paid online for the clearance, but the pages we read do not give the amount. See it on eMigrate when paying, or ask PBSK.
Sources: 2, 1
- Do this nowIf: Directly from the foreign employer (no agent)
Apply yourself on eMigrate: Emigrant → "Apply for Registration for ECR Countries".
If the employer is registered on eMigrate, fill in the form with the Job ID, Job Code and contract; if not, with the demand letter attested by the Indian Mission, the contract and a copy of the visa, and upload them. Track the status with the ARN you get. Iraq is different: the employer must be registered on eMigrate and enters your details from its own login, the job papers must be attested by the Indian Mission in Iraq, and jobs in five provinces are not allowed (Nineveh, Salahuddin, Diyala, Anbar, Kirkuk).
Open the official pageNot confirmed
The pages we read do not give the clearance fee; see it on eMigrate when paying. The FAQ says the full list of required documents is in the "Online Kit for Emigrants" on eMigrate, which we did not read.
Sources: 2, 1
- Do this nowIf: Yes, it says ECRIf: In one of these 18 countries: UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Malaysia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Indonesia, Afghanistan (the passport booklet's list has Brunei and not South Sudan: if your job is in either, check on eMigrate or ask PBSK)
Women with ECR passports may be recruited for these countries only by state government recruiting agencies.
If you are a woman, check on eMigrate whether the agent is a government agency.
Open the official pageNot confirmed
This is only in an instruction to agents on eMigrate; we did not find the order that sets the rule, or other conditions such as age. Ask PBSK (1800 11 3090) or the Protector of Emigrants' office.
Sources: 4
- Do this nowIf: Yes, it says ECRIf: In one of these 18 countries: UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Malaysia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Indonesia, Afghanistan (the passport booklet's list has Brunei and not South Sudan: if your job is in either, check on eMigrate or ask PBSK)
At the immigration counter in the airport, your clearance is checked online.
Without it, an ECR passport holder is stopped from leaving for a job in these countries.
Sources: 1, 10
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen already working abroad
If you hold an employment visa and are going back after a short visit to India, you do not need clearance from the Protector of Emigrants again.
Not confirmed
This is from the passport application booklet. If your job or employer changes, ask PBSK (1800 11 3090) whether you need a new clearance.
Sources: 10
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India
Before you leave, save these numbers in your phone and give them to your family: the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) 1800 11 3090 (free from India, 24 hours), +91-11-2688-5021 (from abroad, charged), WhatsApp +91 74283 21144, e-mail helpline@mea.gov.in; and the number of the Indian Embassy in the country you are going to.
Sources: 3, 1, 2, 5
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India / Indian citizen already working abroad
If you have trouble abroad with the job, the pay, the agent or the employer, you or your family can phone, WhatsApp or e-mail PBSK.
It works 24 hours, in 11 Indian languages. They register the complaint, give you a number and send it to the Protector of Emigrants or the Embassy.
Sources: 3, 1, 2, 5
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India / Indian citizen already working abroad
Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are.
Its Community Welfare Wing can also tell you about conditions in that country.
Sources: 5, 3
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India / Indian citizen already working abroad
You can complain about an agent or a foreign employer yourself on eMigrate (Emigrant → Submit Grievance), or phone PBSK and they register it.
Track it with the number you get.
Open the official pageSources: 2, 1
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India / Indian citizen already working abroad
For people of Andhra Pradesh: you or your family can tell the APNRTS 24/7 helpline (+91 863 2340678, WhatsApp +91 85000 27678).
It helps with bringing stranded people home, out-passes (emergency certificates) during amnesties, job disputes, recruitment-fraud complaints (MRC grievances) and dealing with the Embassy.
Not confirmed
Its page says membership is needed for APNRTS benefits, with proof of living abroad. Ask the helpline which services you get if you are not a member.
Sources: 15, 14, 12, 13, 17
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India / Indian citizen already working abroad
If someone with PBBY insurance has an accident: tell the insurance company within 30 days; file the claim within 90 days of the death or permanent disability.
The claim can be registered on eMigrate under "PBBY Policy". Keep the insured person's passport and a copy of the policy ready: if eMigrate does not find the passport number, the form asks you to upload both. The insurer must accept the certificate given by the Indian Embassy.
Open the official pageNot confirmed
How to register a claim on eMigrate is from a 2016 instruction; the option's name may have changed. The insurer's toll-free number is on the policy.
Sources: 8, 9, 4
- Do this nowIf: Indian citizen, now in India / Indian citizen already working abroad
APNRTS provides a free ambulance from the airport to the home town or village for the mortal remains of someone who died abroad, or for a stretcher-bound patient.
Family members can apply too: you need the hospital discharge summary or death certificate, the Indian Embassy's certificate, the air ticket and the passport.
Open the official pageSources: 18, 15
If something goes wrong
If you are asked for more moneyIf an agent asks for more than ₹30,000 + GST, or gives no receipt, complain on eMigrate or tell PBSK.
If an agent asks for more than ₹30,000 + GST, or gives no receipt, complain on eMigrate or tell PBSK. You can also write to the office of the Protector General of Emigrants at pge@mea.gov.in.
PBSK / eMigrate grievance · Open the official page
Sources: 5, 2
AlsoIf an unregistered "agent" takes your money and cheats you, tell PBSK and complain on eMigrate; you can also file a police complaint (see the "File an FIR" guide).
If an unregistered "agent" takes your money and cheats you, tell PBSK and complain on eMigrate; you can also file a police complaint (see the "File an FIR" guide). Recruiting for jobs abroad without a licence is an offence under the Emigration Act, 1983. If you paid online, see the "Report a cyber fraud" guide. People of Andhra Pradesh living abroad can also complain to the AP Police NRI Cell (CID): +91 94407 00830.
PBSK
Sources: 5, 3, 19
If it is rejectedIf the clearance application is refused or sent back, check its status on eMigrate with your ARN (Track Application Status) and any e-mail eMigrate has sent you.
If the clearance application is refused or sent back, check its status on eMigrate with your ARN (Track Application Status) and any e-mail eMigrate has sent you. Contact the office of the Protector of Emigrants, Hyderabad: 2nd Floor, Regional Passport Office Building, 73 Red Cross Road, Secunderabad 500003; phone 040-27772557; e-mail poehyd@mea.gov.in.
Protector of Emigrants, Hyderabad
Sources: 7, 1, 2
If it is lateIf the clearance or a complaint is delayed, check the status on eMigrate with the ARN or the complaint number, and phone PBSK.
If the clearance or a complaint is delayed, check the status on eMigrate with the ARN or the complaint number, and phone PBSK.
PBSK · Open the official page
Sources: 2, 3
AlsoIf a PBBY claim is stuck: claims registered on eMigrate are handled by the office of the Protector of Emigrants, Mumbai (phone 022-26520060, poemumbai@mea.gov.in).
If a PBBY claim is stuck: claims registered on eMigrate are handled by the office of the Protector of Emigrants, Mumbai (phone 022-26520060, poemumbai@mea.gov.in). Tell PBSK too.
Protector of Emigrants, Mumbai
Sources: 9, 7
Official websites for this work
- Passport Seva Passport application, appointment, status
- eMigrate Work abroad: emigration clearance, list of agents
- APNRTS Andhra Pradesh's body for non-residents: insurance and help
Related guides
The 20 official pages and papers this guide is written from
- eMigrate: home page (About eMigrate; ECR countries/regions; Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana; PBSK and KPSK; Protector of Emigrants; voluntary registration for ECNR passport holders; offices by state)Ministry of External Affairs, Overseas Employment and Protector General of Emigrants Division (eMigrate portal), Home page texts (the portal's English language pack) and its map of offices by state (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh); the 18 ECR countries/regions and the sentence on Libya and Yemen (issue of emigration clearance suspended) · read on 12-11-2026
- eMigrate: Frequently Asked QuestionsMinistry of External Affairs (eMigrate portal), Emigrant: What is emigrant registration?; recruited through an RA/PE/employer; recruited directly; Know Recruiting Agent; Raise Grievance; track grievance; notified countries; General Public: MEA Helpline; Track Application Status · read on 12-11-2026
- About PBSK (Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra)Ministry of External Affairs (eMigrate portal), 24x7 Helpline Services; Services Offered · read on 12-11-2026
- eMigrate portal instructions (the portal's English language pack)Ministry of External Affairs (eMigrate portal), Instructions to foreign employers on raising a demand (nurses); recruiting agents' monthly return (ECR women workers) · read on 12-11-2026
- Advisory on overcharging by agents for overseas recruitment, offering fake overseas jobs and illegal recruitmentMinistry of External Affairs, OE & PGE Division (14-12-2023) · read on 01-11-2026
- Pre-Departure Orientation Training: details of PDOT centresMinistry of External Affairs (eMigrate portal), Note 1 (training 9 am to 5 pm); table, No. 16 (OMCAP office, Government ITI Campus, Vijayawada 520008, 08074553456) and No. 17 (M/s Synchro Serve Global Solutions Pvt Ltd, Kadapa) · read on 02-11-2026
- Address and Jurisdiction of PoE offices in India (as on 01 August 2024)Ministry of External Affairs (eMigrate portal), No. 2 (PoE Mumbai), No. 14 (PoE Hyderabad) (01-08-2024) · read on 01-11-2026
- Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, 2017 (G.S.R. 864(E))Ministry of External Affairs (Gazette of India, Extraordinary), paras 2 and 4 (10-07-2017) · read on 01-11-2026
- Instruction for PBBY claim submission (office memorandum No. 13019/34/2015 of 15.01.2016)Ministry of External Affairs (eMigrate portal) (15-01-2016) · read on 01-11-2026
- Instructions for filling of passport application form and supplementary form (booklet V3.0)Ministry of External Affairs, Passport Seva, Column 2.15 (Non-ECR categories, emigration clearance, the note on returning with an employment visa); Section D, Table 2, No. 15 (ECR Deletion) · read on 01-11-2026
- Notification S.O. 1050(E): rights of Overseas Citizens of India cardholdersMinistry of Home Affairs (Gazette of India), para (5) and Explanation (1) (04-03-2021) · read on 01-11-2026
- APNRTS: Member FAQAndhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Questions 1, 2, 5 and 8 · read on 01-11-2026
- About APNRTSAndhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Registration; Privileges · read on 01-11-2026
- APNRTS: home pageAndhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Contact Us (address and phone numbers); Our Core Services · read on 01-11-2026
- MRC/MERC Services (APNRTS 24/7 Helpline)Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Amnesty Help; Ex-Gratia; MRC Grievances; Pre-Departure Orientation & Training; Repatriation; Transportation of Mortal Remains · read on 01-11-2026
- Pravasandhra Bharosa Bima (PBB): Insurance Scheme for Telugu DiasporaAndhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Eligibility & Premium Details; Benefits for Employees / Migrant Workers; Required Documents · read on 01-11-2026
- Pravasandhra Bharosa Bima Scheme: FAQsAndhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Eligibility; how to apply; family members; policy start date; documents; natural death · read on 01-11-2026
- Ambulance RequestsAndhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), Government of Andhra Pradesh · read on 01-11-2026
- AP Investment Safety & NRI Grievance Cell (AP Police NRI Cell)Andhra Pradesh Police, Crime Investigation Department, with APNRTS, Helpline; NRI Grievance Redressal · read on 01-11-2026
- eMigrate: Purchase PBBY Policy (online selection of a PBBY insurance agency)Ministry of External Affairs (eMigrate portal), Home page Quick Links "Purchase PBBY Policy" and the menu item "Select PBBY Agency", both opening this page (read in the portal's program code) · read on 01-11-2026