Job Discussion Forums

[crewmeal1]

I've read some horror stories on this forum where teachers have been forced to hand in their passports and employers keep them for what seem an eternity. The companies that I've worked for always take a copy of your details and hand it back. The exception is when applying for a bona fida visa of sorts.

I've found companies in the Middle East the worst. My view on those that keep your passport is that they're usually up to no good and mistreating the employee for what ever reason.

I've always been told that I don't own my passport, but the Government does and it's been issued on trust.

[Shroob]

I'm not a teacher yet, but hoping to be one. I would be very reluctant to hand over my passport. I would certainly be suspicious of any employer asking me to do so.

Maybe I'm being overly suspicious, is this 'normal practice'?

[Glenski]

Generally speaking, no, it's not normal practice. Perhaps some countries are more notorious for this than others.

If any employer says you must give them your passport for any reason, politely tell them no. If they claim they need certain pages copied, do it yourself, but keep your passport!

[denise]

The only country that I know of that does it as a rule is Saudi Arabia, and they can do it because... well, it's Saudi Arabia. I wouldn't work for any employer in any country that insisted on keeping it. Sure, if they need it for a few days to sort out a visa, no problem. But keeping it the entire time? Big problem.

d

[dustinm90]

Perhaps it would be wise to request a second passport that you keep on your person, so that you can get out of the country if need be? I know most countries allow you to do this to get over the Israeli-stamp issue.

[artemisia]

Most countries would expect to see documentation of entry unless you're, for example, travelling within Europe and you have a member state passport. I have two passports and have been quizzed on how I entered the country by customs officials whenever I've handed the wrong one over by mistake.

Some countries may require an exit visa if you're there on a work visa so simply having a second passport won't be enough. Years ago I met a teacher who'd worked in Saudi Arabia. At the time, she argued her passport belonged to the Govt. of her country and wasn't hers to hand over. It didn't cut any ice and she had to give it up.

[johnslat]

Dear dustinm90,

A second passport wouldn't help in Saudi - even holding on to your first won't help - because without an Exit Visa stamped into your passport, you won't be able to leave the country.

And only your employer can get you that Exit visa.

[dustinm90]

[tttompatz]

[Mr. English]

Never, never, never give your passport to an employer. Send them electronic copies, fine; give them paper copies, fine; never never never give your passport to them.

[mtrenkova]

+1. Never give your passport to anyone....Or you may head straight to big trouble...