passport

Hi and Welcome to EB
Why your employers want to take your passport?
He can't send u home just like that but he can write a letter to ministry that you are absent from work. Your only solution is to find new employer to transfer your visa.

From a legal stand point... not that they follow any of that here... ON ONE CAN TAKE anyone's passport that isn't an official of the government of the issuing country. ALL passports belong to and are property of the issuing government. They are not yours. Despite having paid for it.

So, legally, in your situation, you could get a lawer and sue the individual/company for trying to extort (threatening) you.

I think SCG means "NO ONE CAN TAKE YOUR PASSPORT"

its a tricky situation; here is why.

previously it was mandatory for companies (other than the public sector) to keep their employees passports to prevent them from absconding from work or taking out huge loans and ditching the country.

this practice was supposedly overturned when the labor law was renewed a few years ago.

HOWEVER, there are still some companies that follow this practice. it is mostly for those who handle cash transactions (Tellers, clerks etc) but unfortunately, you are at a disadvantage.

follow SCGs advice and ask a lawyer, however bear in mind that worst case scenario they will fire u for some reason or other, at which point you can sue for wrongful termination, but that is a long process.

so in closing, yes the company can ask for your passport, no they shouldnt but the law was not enforced on all as there are still companies that follow this practice.

the choice is yours, employment or hardship and possible termination.