Job Discussion Forums

Just a guy · Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 267 Location: Guangxi

I have a half dozen copies of all my documents sized to fit onto one page. I leave my passport at home when I stay local & always carry just a copy with me.
I also had the fao write in Chinese contact info & other details that might make things easier to anyone that might look at it on the back of the page, I do it more for emergencies than fear of police.
The only time I showed it to anyone was at the post office when I picked up a package from home, the copy worked fine.

nomadder · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2003 1:14 am Post subject:

Are employers really allowed to hold on to passports? Isn't there something in your passport that says it can't be held by others for very long?

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

In Saudi, I'm sure your employer keeps your passport. Not sure if there's anywhere else where your employer keeps your passport.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Well, a passport is NOT your own property - it is e legal document issued by your country's government and belongs to it and it alone! It is kind of entrusted to you. Read the instructions in it carefully - in mine, it does state categorically that no one has authority to keep it!
The word "passport" is originally French, and it roughly translates as "carry (it to obtain) passage (through foreign territories)"

johnslat · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2003 2:13 pm Post subject: It's their ballpark.

Dear Roger,
As a very experienced EFLer, I'm sure you are most familiar with this concept: When you are in their ballpark, you play by their rules. In Saudi Arabia you HAVE TO give up your passport to your employer, period! That's just the way it is there. If you refuse, you will be fired and deported (and have to pay for your airfare). So, if giving up your passport is anathema to you, please don't EVER work in the Kingdom (I know, I know - who'd WANT to?).
Regards,
John

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

I forgot about Saudi.

But the east Asian countries I listed are known for a) no legal requirement of handing over passports and b) dodgy employers that will force you to stay by stealing your passports.

I've heard stories of slave labour induced by passport theft since before I left home.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I carry colour photocopies of my passport and my ID cards. I've never had any problems using these for immigration, checking into hotels, etc.

Celeste · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2003 3:22 am Post subject:

When I lived in Korea (1997-1999) I didn't have to be fingerprinted to get my alien card. (However there were a bunch of SouthEast Asian immigrants being fingerprinted at the time. I was told that they fingerprinted blue collar workers, but not white collar workers- seemed discriminatory as hell to me) When I objected to them keeping my passport for a whole week until the card was ready to be picked up, they said that a photocopy was fine.

I moved to Japan in 2002. Also no fingerprinting required to get my alien registration card.

I only carry my passport on my person when I am a tourist, and then I keep it under my clothing in a moneybelt. Here in Japan, I leave it in a safe place at home.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

In 1995, Korea fingerprinted teachers. That's very interesting.

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

Wow! A post regarding carrying or not carrying passports gets 26 posts...and still going strong. Shocked