Urgent - Recruiters

[unemployed2]

There’s one asking for my passport copy. This is to “apply” for a position through the agency.

Can anyone explain why this would be required and assure me it’s genuine and she’s not just faking it and trying to use my passport for something else.

When some other recruiter asked for similar details many months ago I told him I’ll send it to the HR of the company directly. He had started contacting me through what’s app. I blocked him and said he should only email or call. He stopped responding since. I have his agency still on my LinkedIn. I did report him to his supervisor but didn’t receive any response from him either.

Unless they’re checking me out right away for employment checks they shouldn’t need my passport or anything else other than my CV!

Thank you

I wouldn’t send it
i would only take to my employers on my first day or send a copy through a secure link (not via a recruiter or agency tho)

Thank you @rubyslippersits ridiculous isn’t it.

The recruiter is emphasizing that they need it legally to prove my right to work. They will not proceed with my application to the hiring manager unless I submitted my passport. Not taking my word for it.

Recruiters used to ask for your passport copy by email followed up by a video call to check your ID, but that ended a few years ago. Nowadays it should be done via digital right to work check, or a face to face check at their offices.

They do need to check your RTW before submitting your details to a client, but it sounds like they can't afford to pay for one of the digital RTW companies to do this for you. Can you offer to go into their office and do a face to face check instead? If they refuse that then don't use them,

As an employer, I wouldn’t accept a CV from an agency that didn’t guarantee me 100% evidence of right to work. The amount of candidates that say they do have the right, and then it turns out that they need to apply for a work permit once they receive the contract is really frustrating. It costs so much in terms of time and wasted resources.

Most big agencies have a rule where they ask everyone, regardless of nationality, in order to ensure they’re not being viewed as discriminatory.

Part of norm now. Many also ask for full references as well

Checking a person's right to work in the UK is an essential part of an agency's compliance procedure. If you don't trust the agency, there's no point applying through them.

Thank you everyone. It’s just that only 2 out of 50 people I have spoken to in the last year have asked me for this.

I don’t have a British passport. They can’t figure my RTW status with my nationality’s passport . I have an ILR. They possibly need a code from Home Office.

I would definitely go through UKVI and provide a QR code showing the right to work. That’s why we went through those tiresome procedures last year - I also have ILR - and that is best practice.

Recruiters should know this.

PS The QR code is good for three mos and gives the right to view your e-visa, which will show your employment status.

Super easy all round.

All employees have to prove that they have the right to work in X country

Otherwise employers will get fined per person that they incorrectly employ

Thank you. But I’m aware. I would happily give it to the HR of the company hiring me. But my OP was regarding agency recruiters insisting.

The Recruiter doesn't need to prove your right to work BUT it may be that they have been told only to send candidates with a proven right to work

Why would the company spend time doing the job they’re paying an agency to do?

I work in HR. Having to take on the work of an agency is very inefficient. Plus storing personal data of an external candidate separately to how an agency handles the data of all of the other people in the same competition would be an absolute nightmare.