Your passport stays with YOU
No employer or agency may take or keep your passport. This is illegal.
Taking your passport away is one of the clearest signs of exploitation and human trafficking. Your documents are yours. An employer who holds your passport is not "keeping it safe" — they are taking away your freedom to leave. The law is fully on your side here.
Key facts
- Your passport and documents must always stay with you.
- No employer or agency has the right to hold them.
- Confiscating documents is an indicator of human trafficking.
- You can demand them back at any time, for any reason.
- The police must help you get your documents back.
In detail
The "we keep it safe" trick
A common tactic is to take your passport "for safekeeping", "for the paperwork", or "until you finish the contract". None of this is legal. The real purpose is to make you afraid to leave, complain, or change jobs. The moment someone holds your documents to control you, it has crossed into abuse.
Getting your documents back
You can ask for your passport back at any time, and they must return it. If they refuse, this is serious — go to the police, who are obliged to help you, and contact the Ombudsman or an NGO. Keep copies or photos of your documents separately, so you always have proof of who you are even if the originals are withheld.
Warning signs
- Your passport was taken "for safekeeping" and not returned.
- You are told you cannot have it until the contract ends.
- You feel unable to leave the job because they hold your papers.
- Your documents are used as a threat when you ask questions.
What you can do
- Calmly ask for your passport back in writing (a message counts).
- Keep photos of all your documents in a safe place.
- If refused, go to the police — they must help.
- Tell the Ombudsman or an anti-trafficking NGO; you can stay anonymous.