Job Discussion Forums

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

Is there another reason and what if u refuse to give it up?

johnslat · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 1:11 pm Post subject:

Dear Hatcher,

My guess (since we were never told why our passports were taken) is that it was done to precent people from doing runners.

What might happen should you refuse to give it up would, I'd say, depend on your employer. It could range from firing you to letting you keep it, I guess.
The problem is - how would you know the consequences beforehand?

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

They need your passport to get you an Iqama. If you feel so strongly the solution is simple. DO NOT GO TO AL ARABIYA AL-SAUDIYA !

johnslat · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 3:46 pm Post subject:

Sorry - I may have wrongly assumed that the question was about why passports were/are kept by employers rather than why they are taken and (sometimes) returned.

Regards,
John

Puddlesz · Joined: 14 Jul 2010 Posts: 16

I had no problem getting my passport if I needed it (before I got my iqama). But your passport is basically useless in Saudi once you do have your iqama. Once I got my iqama I didn't have any problem retrieving my passport either. Actually I preferred them keeping my passport so I wouldn't lose it.

johnslat · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 6:14 pm Post subject:

Dear Puddlesz,

On the other hand, having your passport in your employer's safekeeping doesn't always work out well:

"Alesayi fire burned 17,000 passports"

http://www.arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article473615.ece

Regards,
John

Middle East Beast · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 836 Location: Up a tree

Also, if you have your passport in your possession with a multiple exit/re-entry visa, it is anything but useless.

Read that article and see if it gives you a warm fuzzy when your employer keeps your passport for "safekeeping."

MEB Cool

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

Some years ago an American complained to the U.S. Consulate about his employer keeping his passport. Amazingly, the consulate sent a nasty letter explaining the local law and demanding the return of the passport to the employee, citing that the passport is technically the property of the USA.

The employer returned the passport, but castigated the employee for complaining to the consulate and embarrassing them.

I must say that this is probably the one and only time the US consulate has done anything for an American citizen.