Spugsy

I've been on at HR for a few weeks to return my passport as I need it for a SIM, for getting a flat etc,

now they say its company policy to keep the passports of all employees, which I'm not happy about at all, in fact I thought this was illegal over here?

So they are sending me a passport release form so I'll fill it in, send it back and then I'll get my passport - then they want it back.

Is this right? I'm not happy about this at all.

Eva

What happens if they lose your passport before you collect it but after you sign and send pro forma back???.

Get your butt down to HR and demand it back-'tis the practice someplaces to retain passports but it is wrong.
Your UK Passport remains the property of HM Government.

Blue Cat

it is illegal, I think you will find that it states quite clearly on your passport that it is the property of HM Government, not ...

Spugsy

yup good stuff, its a stupid idea.

(oh, and don't mention my company on here, just inc ase y'know)

Oh and sorry I missed the book sale, we were out hosue hunting and time just flew by.

Inselaffen

Dont let them keep it.
I had huge problems with my first company out here when I quit. Ended up getting my passport back at the airport just before the flight.

It is illegal as the passport is the property of the UK. My current company tried it on saying that the Free Zone would only give me my Labour Card in return for my passport. So I told them to keep the Labour card. Have now been told that they will be able to give it me after all!

Spugsy

man this place is a goldmine for information. Cheers fella.

Blue Cat

you quoted me so you need to alter your quote, and stick with your guns!! it is yours not theirs

Meow

As others have said it is illegal for a company to retain an employee's passport. A company of that nature knows that and you must insist that it is returned immediately.

Autonomy

According to Youssef Gafar, an advisor to the Ministry of Labour, passport retention is an ongoing issue.

“We have been working on this for two years; yes, it still happens, but it’s not something that can be resolved overnight,” he said.

“A company may ask for a passport at any time for administrative purposes, but they have no right to keep it
unless it’s on a voluntary basis.

“Every worker facing this situation can report it to the police or the Ministry of Interior.”

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/485240

Passport withheld

A reader [name withheld by request] in Dubai asks: I am working at Jebel Ali Free Zone. My employer is holding my passport, is this legal? Also, he makes us sign the payroll but does not pay the salary until one or two months later. What provision does the law has against this?

According to rules and regulation, employer has no rights to hold your passport [passports can only be held by authorities on court order because passport is a personal documents]. Concerning salary, you should approach the concerned department in Jebel Ali Free Zone.

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles.../10053084.html

Richard V of England

there is no need for a company to hold onto your passport, that type of stuff really gets on my nerves..i can understand maybe taking care of your work permit but not your passport, the company i work for wanted me to write my passport number on a holiday form until i refused telling them i thought it was wrong and dis-trusting then they took it off the holiday forms..stand up to them OP tell them you want to keep your passport

Spugsy

thanks mate, thats exactly what I need.

Spugsy

you in Phuket then? I spent a month there 3 or 4 years back and my scots mate lives over there, I loved it there.

Richard V of England

Yeah been here about a year but 3 years in thailand..Patong, love it...no need to ever go back to UK...

Autonomy

Wuld love to live out there, one day maybe!

How is Krabi and Koh Lanta currently? Was there in 2002 and hope to go back there in Dec this year for a a couple of weeks.

Spugsy

Thats where I was, I made mates with a scots lad who as I mentioned now lives in patong and is starting up a print and design company, it can be sleazy but I loved it out there.