Menu
Expat.com

Is handovering the passport to employer is fine?

Post new topic

DeepakVish

Hi,
Recently I got an offer from one of the employer based on Muscat. They want to keep my passport with them, so that my passport remain in safe custody (as per them). They also assured me that if I want the passport for any emergencies then after getting certain approval I can get it back, but for the first year it’s hard process to get the passport back. I told them that I don’t feel comfortable giving my passport, if they want I can sign some bond or something, but they are not ready for that.
Is this the normal practice which the employers are following there?

sunil2020

yes quite a few employers do..but it is NOT a legal requirement. normally in emergencies you do get it back. BUT it creates an uncertainty, and sometimes the system does not work as well.

DeepakVish

Also I have another question on the salary package.
How can we make a comparison of the salaries I am getting in India and in Oman. What is the standard salary there.
If we take an example that someone is having 15 lpa CTC in India, out of that after deductions tax etc we get approx 13 lpa in hand. So how much package should we expect in Oman comparatively?

Fred

It isn't your passport, it's your government's passport they allow you to use.
Employers all over the world ask to keep them and it leads to a lot of stories on expat forums about how some employers keep the passport to hold the employee.
Personally, I wouldn't let anyone keep such an important document.

Asif_Hassan

When i first joined here, employer also asked to submit the passport. Where my reply was that i will report to police , if you keep my passport in your custody, as such thing is illegal internationally. Never allow such thing to happen.

Most of time when in emergencies you need passport, they have many formalities , which will delay you in attending any emergency.

gamu2007

I work in a school. They only needed my passport at the beginning to complete all my paperwork.

hammadashiq

Legally no one can keep any ones passport. Employers only wants to keep your passport to black-mail you in case of emergency and to control your exit/entry from the country .

Nizam Shaikh Babloo

Hi my name is Nizamuddin shaikh & i m in oman on 30 days visit visa but the employer keep my passport and i dont want to work with him my visa expiry date is 1/08/2024 it means next month but they are forcing me to extend visa so please help & suggest me what to do now

Asif_Hassan

@Nizam Shaikh Babloo


You can report it to the police. Further, contact your embassy for further guidance.


Regards,

Articles to help you in your expat project in Muscat

  • Setting up a business in Oman
    Setting up a business in Oman

    A major change came a few years ago when it was officially decided that expatriates do not need an Omani partner ...

  • Finding a job in Oman
    Finding a job in Oman

    While it's not recommended for anyone to go to Oman to look for a job, it's important to ensure you have a ...

  • Work conditions in Oman
    Work conditions in Oman

    Working in Oman offers a unique combination of professional opportunities and cultural experiences. The country ...

  • Driving in Oman
    Driving in Oman

    Expatriates tend to prefer to drive in Oman, as public transportation isn't fully implemented across the ...

  • The Omani lifestyle
    The Omani lifestyle

    Before moving to Oman, people should be aware of the local lifestyle. The Omani way of life is a unique blend of ...

  • The health system in Oman
    The health system in Oman

    Most of the time, when securing a job in Oman, your employer will provide you with health insurance, but it is ...

  • Banking in Oman
    Banking in Oman

    Oman's banking sector is characterized by a mix of well-established local banks, international bank branches, ...

All of Muscat's guide articles