Korean Job Discussion Forums

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

How free are you with copies of your passport info page?

I've gotten several teaching contracts and E-2 visas in Korea. Now, I'm looking for opportunities elsewhere (primarily in the Middle East), and I'm finding recruiters and websites want you to upload copies of it...

What are the risks?

The websites say your documents are secure if you upload them, but I'm not sure I trust recruiter websites to spend money to secure the documents.

It seems like with at least one of them they do it so employers can login and check your info - which would mean the document is available to them online all the time - which makes it vulnerable.

I don't feel confident uploading my passport info and criminal background check like that...

I don't remember Korean recruiters asking for such things until you were in the process of applying for a visa to a specific job that was offering you a contract...

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

I don't recall ever getting a job abroad without sending my passport info page as part of the application (before I ever saw a contract).

They use it to determine if in fact you are able to travel (valid passport with enough time remaining on it), your citizenship and eligibility for a visa.

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iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

But what about having it posted online for potential employers to look at?

It isn't freely available for just anyone to see, but something about having it remain online bothers me...Maybe I'm being too paranoid...

YTMND · Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Location: You're the man now dog!!

Emark · Joined: 10 May 2007 Location: duh, Korea?

I've scanned my passport, and with photoshop, erased certain numbers and letters from it. No problems yet. I have given an unadulterated copy to my employers.

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

One of the recruiters that advertises many jobs in the Middle East wants you to upload documents. I think maybe another for jobs in that region I ran across did to.

I might have been asked to mail or email a copy of it before in Korea, I don't remember exactly. I didn't mind that. I just don't feel comfortable uploading it. Email attachment, ok. Uploading, I don't know....

And I wouldn't understand the purpose of it if I could photoshop out key details that make me worry.

I uploaded a photo and pasted a photo in my resume - if they want to look at me like schools do in Korea...

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

Which is why I don't see the point in uploading it - and I don't feel comfortable uploading it with the vital information left unaltered...

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

Wouldn't the point be to see that you have some time left on your passport? I mean, it's an honor system of sorts that you're not totally faking it, but it provides a layer of security for a recruiter prior to putting any time in. Assuming you black out the number, what good is that going to do anyone?