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⚠️ ILLEGAL IN MOST COUNTRIES

Your employer took your passport.Here's what the law says.

Passport confiscation by an employer is illegal in Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, UK and most countries. You have rights — and you can act on them.

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Is it legal for an employer to hold your passport?

No. It is not legal.

Your passport is your personal property. No employer, agency, or sponsor has the legal right to hold it anywhere in the world. The ILO classifies passport confiscation as forced labour under Convention No. 29.

What to do right now

1
Stay calm. Do not confront alone.
Do not demand your passport back aggressively — especially if your visa depends on your employer. Understand your options first.
2
Write it down — now.
Note the date it was taken, who took it, what reason was given, any witnesses. This is your evidence.
3
Request it back in writing.
Send WhatsApp or email: "I would like my passport returned. I am legally entitled to hold my own travel documents. Please return it by [date]." Keep the message.
4
Contact your country's authority.
Use the guide below. Most labour authorities treat passport confiscation seriously and act quickly.
5
Contact your home country's embassy.
Your embassy can issue emergency travel documents and assist you if your situation is dangerous.

Who to contact — by country

🇸🇬
Singapore
Law: Employment of Foreign Manpower Act
Authority: Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
💡 File at mom.gov.sg or any MOM Service Centre. Passport confiscation is a criminal offence.
🇲🇾
Malaysia
Law: Employment Act 1955 + Anti-Trafficking Act
Authority: Jabatan Tenaga Kerja (JTK)
💡 Document confiscation may also constitute trafficking. Report to MAPO if threatened.
🇵🇭
Philippines (OFW abroad)
Law: Republic Act 10022
Authority: POEA or Philippine Embassy
💡 Contact the nearest Philippine Embassy immediately.
🇮🇩
Indonesia (TKI abroad)
Law: Law No. 18/2017 on Migrant Workers
Authority: BP2MI
Call: 1500-233
💡 Contact the Indonesian Embassy in your host country immediately.

Not sure what to do in your specific situation?

Vera explains your rights based on your country and situation — in your language, privately, free.

General legal information only. Consult a qualified lawyer or local legal aid for specific advice.