Job Discussion Forums

[Snoopy]

I recently expressed an interest in a post in the Middle East and sent the British-run organization my CV. The ensuing application form which I downloaded required details of my passport. As a British citizen by birth and ancestry, I refused to divulge such information and withdrew my application. Am I just an old fuddy-duddy? Does anyone, apart from immigration officials, have the right to demand my passport number?

[gugelhupf]

I'm not too bothered about divulging passport numbers themselves, and I would be happy to give a RESPONSIBLE employer a photocopy of my passport because it is useful to have a copy lodged with someone else in case of a dire emergency such as your accomodation burning down - they may also require this to sponsor a work visa.

What I am nervous about is sending copies of documents at the first stage of the application process. I used to work for American Express and saw at first hand the problems caused by identity theft and similar fraud.

For example: someone gets enough info about you to blagg their way past the credit card company call centre operator. They then register a change of address. The next week they phone again and claim that the card has been damaged and can they have a new one, please. The replacement goes out to the fake address and the first the genuine cardholder knows about this is when his card is refused for being massively over the limit.

The market for EU and US passports is extremely lucrative, and it is not difficult for someone who looks like the person in the (smudged) photocopy to present themselves at a consulate claiming to have been robbed and requesting a new passport to get home. The information contained in a full cv may be enough to blagg this.

[Jim Bigelow]

Snoopy,

I wouldn't say that you're an old fuddy duddy but I will say that unless you're prepared to share with employers in the Middle East your passport info as well as other family info, then you may find yourself without work for a long time!

There are many reasons that they will ask for the passport info (aiding in processing visas etc) but you should be aware that in the middle east & north Africa you will be expected to divulge your name, your fathers name and your grandfathers name!

This is common place amongst the arabs and if in their lands then you'll be expected to do the same!

If I was you and wanted to get the job then relax a bit, tell them whatever they want to know and enjoy the ride!

[Snoopy]

I am not unaware of the Arab ways, having worked in the Middle East for possibly too many years, but I would not give out my passport number any more than my credit card details.

[shmooj]

I think you overreacted. You don't mention the organisation. I wonder if it is the British Council as they require a passport number. Obviously, they can do a background check on you through their links with the government. And why not - seems perfectly fair to me and I have nothing to hide.

Perhaps it is not an organisation with the kudos of the Council, I don't know.