Many foreign workers feel it is “normal” to give their passport to an employer.
In Singapore, this is not acceptable practice.
❌ Is it legal?
No.
An employer should not retain a worker’s passport or use it as a condition of employment.
A passport is a personal identity document, not company property.
Holding a passport:
Restricts a worker’s freedom
Can be seen as forced control
May amount to unfair employment practice
⚠️ What the rules say
Under Singapore employment guidelines:
Workers must have free access to their passport at all times
Keeping passports to “prevent workers from leaving” is not allowed
Insisting on holding passports may be treated as exploitation or unlawful control
✅ When can a passport be taken?
Only temporarily, for valid reasons such as:
Work Permit application or renewal
Medical check-ups
Immigration processing
📌 The passport must be returned immediately after the process.
👷 What should workers do?
If your passport is kept:
Politely request its return
Ask why and for how long it is needed
Keep proof if it is refused
Seek help from MOM or trusted support organizations
👉 Your passport is your right.
Workers should always have control over their own documents.