Reply to: Agency needs copy of passport - “Opt Out” of the Conduct of Employment Agencies 2003

[JRCT]

Sorry to bump an old-ish thread, just started a new gig at ClientCo today. I'm direct, but they've asked to see my passport. I'm not sure why I need to provide this - their contract is with MyCo - but don't want to be a PITA. Never had a client ask for this in 6 years and seems weird to me, just wanted to check this is normal.

Think positive. Maybe they want to take you on holiday.

[darrylmg]

Don't know specifically why, but I always take my passport with me on my first day at a client's site.
Think I've just been brain washed into it from past permie roles.
Not many clients care to see it. Agencies do.
Would have thought that both would have wanted to check it, but some clients are blatantly happy to be duped by my very skilled Chinese double called Wan.

[TheFaQQer]

Sometimes it's also used as a very basic check that you are who you say you are. I worked with a client where we shared the server with other (more secure) clients. To check I was who I said I was, they asked to see my passport - but since I'd flown out to the Philippines (and they'd bought the ticket) it was a little bit of a redundant check.

[northernladuk]

There are rules about verifying you and right to work and the only way to do it is to see the passport in person or get solicitor to sign etc. Just mitigating risk of getting caught out by the agency. I posted some links to the policy somewhere.

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

Human Remains box ticking exercise, just take it in, show them and be done with it. It's a PITA but as you will be there anyway, there's no inconvenience or cost to you.

Sure, as I suspected. I don't tend to worry much about IR35 these days (good contract, careful with working practices) but things like this still make me wary but probably worrying about nothing. I offered to give them a scan as I have one already but they wanted to see the actual thing. Thanks.

[tractor]

...

Sorry to bump an old-ish thread, just started a new gig at ClientCo today. I'm direct, but they've asked to see my passport. I'm not sure why I need to provide this - their contract is with MyCo - but don't want to be a PITA. Never had a client ask for this in 6 years and seems weird to me, just wanted to check this is normal.

Human Remains box ticking exercise, just take it in, show them and be done with it. It's a PITA but as you will be there anyway, there's no inconvenience or cost to you.

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

Sorry to bump an old-ish thread, just started a new gig at ClientCo today. I'm direct, but they've asked to see my passport. I'm not sure why I need to provide this - their contract is with MyCo - but don't want to be a PITA. Never had a client ask for this in 6 years and seems weird to me, just wanted to check this is normal.

[JRCT]

Only once has an agency accepted a scanned copy of my passport, but they also asked for me to scan the back of it (ie. The cover)

I did think this was odd. If I'd gone to the trouble of forging my passport, then I would have managed a damn good cover whilst I was at it.

[Wanderer]

They have now asked me for a copy of my passport.

I am happy to send them a copy but just want to know if there are any implications of sending it to them. Anything I am missing which I should be aware of?

Nope.

Just send them a photo/scan of the passport and while you are at it send a copy of your company incorporation document, VAT registration and certificates of insurance.

[SueEllen]

They should, but most in my experience don't. Looking back at my last 7 years of work, I've not been asked once in that time to provide original or certified copies of ID documents. Early 2007 I remember having to do so but then that was an exception for a more tightly controlled role.

I have but on about 4 occasions it's actually the client who was doing the verification of my passport not the agency.

[Clare@InTouch]

If they want a certified copy, I usually use the Post office certification services, think it's £7.

Your accountant should certify it for free if you ask nicely

[Eirikur]

If they want a certified copy, I usually use the Post office certification services, think it's £7.

[craig1]

For ID purposes the agency should be asking for an original passport (or other photo document such as a driving licence) or an authorised copy https://www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document

They should, but most in my experience don't. Looking back at my last 7 years of work, I've not been asked once in that time to provide original or certified copies of ID documents. Early 2007 I remember having to do so but then that was an exception for a more tightly controlled role.

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

For ID purposes the agency should be asking for an original passport (or other photo document such as a driving licence) or an authorised copy https://www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document

[craig1]

Alternatively, just shrug, send them the scanned passport photo and get on with starting in your nice new gig.

I have my passport photo scanned in a folder containing my other agent pack details such as scans of my VAT certificate and certificate of incorporation. As soon as they offer me a role they get it sent to them whether they ask for it or not. Most agencies these days are happy with that, including just the scanned passport, and get on with issuing me a contract. I've found that it saves a few days of messing around with agents asking for some things then coming back days later for others.