Recruiters asking copy of Passport

Sofitos

Hello,
Recently I've got a strange request from recruiters - provide copy of passport or visas(to be sure that I am eligible to work). Of course, employee could ask copy of this document and I am happy to provide it.
But why recruiters ask it prior my applying to that vacancies and potential employee even haven't confirmed my application and interview.

I have been contacted with many recruiters, but no one ask me this confidential docs prior wih my CV. Suppose, it should be provided after employer make decision to hire me and I give them my approval.

What do you think?

jobbingmusician

Not strange at all. The government is increasingly using employers to check for illegal immigrants. It makes sense to me that docs should be checked before going to the expense of an interview, and I've been asked to take docs to interviews in the past. Surprised they are not demanding originals, actually.....

lady1964

Hi,

I registered with a few recruitment agencies over the last few months and all of them requested a copy of my passport, I understand this is for proof of eligibility to work in the UK. I didn't think there was anything unusual in this and was happy to provide the copy. Maybe someone who works at an agency can confirm this but I see no reason to worry about this request.

Edit: cross posted with the above ^^, I had to go into the agencies for them to take a copy of my passport. I've just accepted a job offer and have to take my passport & other docs in for them to take copies but I didn't get this job via a agency.

Sofitos

Thanks! I am ready to take docs at interview, but was really scared to send it prior any arrangement and even my confirmation that I want to apply for a posititon.

Undervalued

Sofitos wrote: »

Thanks! I am ready to take docs at interview, but was really scared to send it prior any arrangement and even my confirmation that I want to apply for a posititon.

Well that is your choice.

However they can refuses to interview anybody who does not provide a copy with their application. That is their choice.

usefulmale

Personally, I would not be sending anyone copies of my passport. I would be happy to SHOW them at interview, then, if successful, I would give a copy I had made to the employer, or allow them to take one copy with the passport constantly in my sight.

Sofitos

Usefulmale, I fully aggree with you. I have been contacted a lot of recruiters and just one of them send such requirements.

Undervalued

Sofitos wrote: »

Usefulmale, I fully aggree with you. I have been contacted a lot of recruiters and just one of them send such requirements.

Just because somebody has agreed with you does not make the other advice you have received wrong!

TequilaKing

This is normal procedure these days. I had an interview with manpower at JLR and I had to provide my passport. I know someone who forgot his and they turned him away from the interview. He was able to reschedule though once he found it.

Sofitos

Undervalued wrote: »

Just because somebody has agreed with you does not make the other advice you have received wrong!

Of cource, it doesn't cancel another advices.

TequilaKing wrote: »

This is normal procedure these days. I had an interview with manpower at JLR and I had to provide my passport. I know someone who forgot his and they turned him away from the interview. He was able to reschedule though once he found it.

In your case, employeer has approved and invited at interview. In my case, employeer haven't seen my CV yet. This fact make me think...

unforeseen

The recruiters also have a duty in law to ensure that anybody they put forward is allowed to work in the UK.

Do not be surprised if you get no interviews through that agency if you won't provide them with the proof they request