Request for Passport Photo Page Is it normal for employers t...

Steve, if this is in relation to IGIP, or to any job information, it is a typical phishing scam. Do not hand over any document that has a passport number, birthdate, or any other vital information that you do not want to hand out.

Steven, it is very normal, especially for foreign employers. I gather that physical appearance is very important, as is the age of the prospective employee. The only thing I draw the line at is disclosing my SSN before an offer has been made and accepted. To me, that is the most private piece of information I possess. But I have provided copies of not only my resume and references, but my credentials, transcripts, licenses and certifications. Best wishes for a new and very nice employer for you (and for me, too).

Absolutely right. It’s normal in a lot of countries to ask for a passport-style photo, which is a completely different matter.

Yes, I think it is....a bit strange for me at first, being the suspicious type, but then I thought I have nothing to lose as long as I’m discriminating. I don’t respond to people unless it is CLEAR that they have read my CV and are forming a personal response to me. You can usually sniff out the ’blanket’ responses and I don’t ever give them all of the info they ask for until we’ve had about 2 email conversations. I haven’t had any problems so far, and I’ve been responding to ads and have been offered more than 10 serious offers so far. As for the other documents they request....copies of TESOL certificates, diplomas...etc....i don’t care. They can’t do anything with that stuff.

I have edited a scan of my passport photo page to block out the numbers. Suggest using your paintbrush application in the Accessories section. When an official needs to have your passport they can see all your information physically. Until them just use a digital file of the edited version for virtual citizenship verification purposes.

It’s normal. Especially in places like South Korea where there is a lot of paperwork involved. Although it seems that today they are asking for all the documents up front before even offering a job offer than they did 2 years ago. This is their way of saying, we don’t want to waste our time nor yours. I would recommend you research the school on the internet, see what other people are saying about it, and make sure it’s a listed school or if recruiter, you will know after a few e-mails if the recruiter is legit. Good luck.

I totally agree that a picture is ok but no additional info especially anything regarding passports or
sin #’s.
Paul Graham

I have been asked for a copy of my passport information as well. I didnt think that was normal nor have I provided it for anyone. It just didnt seem relevant to me.

Hi Steve,
It is fairly normal, especially in Asia. They use it to verify your eligibility before making an offer. Many countries do not have diplomatic relations with other countries and there is no point in making you an offer before determining eligibility. I do not think it is a scam. Best of luck!

Hi Steven,

Yeah, that’s pretty standard operating procedure. You don’t have to worry. I think they just want to verify your citizenship or place of birth, either way there’s nothing to worry.

Rich

Actually, this is a very common thing for overseas jobs before any offers are made in order to verify information you’ve provided (that you’re a citizen where English is the native language, for example, as well as your age and, although they won’t tell you, your race).

Something I’ve done to feel a bit more secure is to erase my passport number from the scan (which somebody else here mentioned he did, as well).

It may have to do with race, color, or age. I once recruited two perfectly lovely African American girls to teach at a private English language school in Jeddah. The owner rejected them because of their color! I was so offended that I quit. (I was the academic manager at the time.)

In addition, plenty of these places are now looking to hire only the young and attractive. It’s shocking, but (I hate to say it) that’s the third world for you. Some people of experience now alter documents to minimize their age.

Steven: You can post a photograph used for your work visa, as six is the norm. Having said that, what they really are looking for is: 1) is this person a male or female, and 2) How old does this person really look. In conclusion, if you are young and female, you have a great chance, and if you are young and male, you also have a chance. The age limit for a work visa is anywhere from 45 to 60 years old, with 55 being the average cut-off age. I am 56, so I know! You will get hired!

Steven
For your own safety
Dont give out any documentation unless you know the person or people. If its a job offer then sure Passover COPIES of all details they require but be 100% sure that they are who they are. I have and seen experiences where documentation id is frauded and duplicated for Criminal actions to follow.
Your passport should never, leave your possession at any time any where in any country . I always go where my passport goes end of story.!!!
Be Careful

Sally from a recruiting agency from South Korea called me one morning around 8 am since she showed an interest in my CV for science positions and asked me to send my photo only. I obliged immediately. She spoke to me in a very serious note of course politely as if she has decided to proceed with my papers. This happened 3 weeks back. So far I din’t get any response at least for courtesy sake. I strongly believe that this was due to my skin colour although I am a British citizen. This is really an act of discrimination and racism gone to so called High Educational Institutions not only in Asian countries but in other countries as well. This is unethical especially in education where we teach growing children for the future citizens of the world. I don’t know why most agencies only for native speakers of English! Whatis the real criterion to identify them? Is it the skin colour or the accent or what? Some people ask only native speakers of English from a limited chosen countries only. South Africans are excluded. So I believe a lot of racist issues are prevailing here! Even God cannot prevent them!!!

~~Start your own school!!...a charter, homeschool program, etc....There are just too many bizarre people out there these days...anti-this, anti-that...the list goes on. I will be starting my own...and will hire people based on skills, experience, positive, creative personality...you know, all the RIGHT reasons to hire someone?!?!?

Hi Steven,

It’s pretty standard for them to ask for all of that stuff. I just ignore it and send them my resume, a recent photo and reference letters. If they write to me requesting all of those documents, I tell them that I will forward them once they have made me a job offer.

There are a couple of scam places that just want your info, but that’s a very small percentage out of all the job postings out there.

The only reason a school asks for a photo is to discriminate against those who are not the right color (caucasian), right age (young, pretty, or handsome), or anything else to deny your the "priviledge" of working at their school. It is sad but true that many schools use your photo and give you a job long enough to then fire you for not "being a good teacher". In this way, they recruit students by saying they have a young, cute, right color foreigner as bait. And then, you are cast overboard.

Well, Connie, if you start your own school, please keep me in mind. It seems like older teachers are not a desireable commodity.

Steve, I lived and taught Tefl mideast 3yrs
THEY WANT beauty not brains to marry for USA citizenship. Millions of asians, saudi, africans want to live and own America. Single, no dependents, hollywood persona, passports w no crime in your history. They are extremely Superficial and delusional about who God Allah favors and rewards. Phi have teacher friends white w

Hi Steve, This is normal because they want to make sure your from the countries t hey stipulated, your age and of course what you look like. Some people may try to buy cars with your info so you need to do something to prevent t his. You can go into some photoshop type of software and fuzz out most of the passport numbers and some other things to make it impossible for anyone to use your passport for illegal activity. I have two copies of my passport, one that I give before a job offer and the other that I give after I know I will be working with the school. In this day and age protecting your identity and use of your information is extremely important especially in a country where you know corrupt practises are being done. Hope this helps.

Unfortunately, a lot of ignorant people from third-world (and many other) countries only look at skin color, weight, etc. instead of true credentials. I worked in Korea and was often lied about by Korean teachers who tried to get me fired for being overweight and over-age. Saddest part is, even white Westerners who marry Koreans start picking up this prejudice (I know, I had an email from my first employer who was from the USA and married to a Korean saying my weight caused mothers to want to withdraw their kids from his school saying I was "ugly") - and with the explosive growth of plastic surgery in Korea, I think it shows a lot of insecurity amongst Koreans regarding their own looks - a very shallow country overall. Now I work in Saudi Arabia, for a great employer. But my first one again tried to fire me because I was overweight, but this time, it was HIS issue only, as a former hockey player, because he said he didn’t like "fat" people (he is Canadian) while many Saudis, heavy themselves, haven’t commented. This guy failed in his attempt to fire me, thanks to Saudi management, and he will soon be out the door himself. But, then, many Saudis won’t hire a dark-skinned worker because a lot of their laborers come from such countries as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, etc. and they see themselves as better than them. Very, very sad.

But then, think - would you want to work for an employer who discriminates in any way?

They want our famous, our stars. Remember prince Ranier and Grace Kelly? They want Grace and Denzel ONLY
DONT WASTE YOUR TIME
WORK in multi racial multi religious Countries. The Western Countries ONLY. FYI

hello its normal to ask for copy of your passport univ transcripts and recent photo. age and appearence is important. les in china 8 years experience china and korea from the usa email you never send originals. when you sign the contract and arrive at the school you give them the originals which they return to you in a few weeks

Having work overseas for more than 20 years I have seen different reasons.
1. There are many fake diplomas and many of the recruiters are checking and this takes time.
2. I know as one says that there is choosing on race, age, sex, nationallity and so on, and there is nothing that can be done.
I have a chinese name on my passport so I want to show my picture that I am white.
3. I too am careful how much information I give out as to not give too much out there

Hi Steven:

If not sure, check with the police in the country to see where the email came from. I had a questionable offer from London (lots of requests for my passport, bank info, etc.). I contacted Scotland Yard the email came from Nigeria and was a scam. Hope this helps.

Carol

Yes, it’s pretty standard. They want to know what you look like before having you come out for an interview, or at least that is the experience I’ve had in Thailand. Just cover/block out your passport number and scan a copy. If they don’t ask for the passport page, they usually request a recent/current picture. No harm in it, just cover all identifying numbers/information and you will be safe if it is a scam.

Hi Connie
I’m with Sheila on this one... keep me in mind!

Dear Steven, It is needed so employers can verify that you are from an English speaking country. If you don’t supply it, you might not be considered. Your choice.

Steven,

I don’t know about phishing scams and so on. I did come across an ad the other day from China that specified "whites" only. A photograph would help them................

Strange fruit.

Oh yes, education is very much needed in South East Asia.

Rory Dwyer

It’s normal in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE. They tend to do things in a strangely illogical, reverse way, but after the whole convoluted process you should be pleasantly surprised with the job. Although most Gulf ESL employees whinge ad nauseam most jobs are well paid with good accommodation and a lot of free time.

Initially employers want to see evidence that you are actually a native speaker of English. Later they need the info to obtain a visa for you. Race is a key factor in some countries, as is your physical appearance.

I have made comments in the past about these items, and for clarification purposes, take note as follows:
1. In most overseas location, Asia/Middle East, to request passport copy/CV/Qualification transcripts is a normal practice.
2.Exceptions should be where an employer(or someone purporting to be one) sends out a blanket email, and says something on the lines of "Hiring Now", contracts to be issued, serious job offer etc"- be wary, and ask questions.
3. You will find without an interview, and without any further communications, you will end up with a contract, which then asks you to give information so they can go to the labor office to make visa etc.
4. My other piece of advice, and I say this time, and time again to the unseasoned and first timer for overseas work is this:
a) Asia, Japan, Malaysia, China, Middle East OVERTLY DISCRIMINATE ON AGE. They make it clear that you are not wanted past 50 or 55 years MAX.
b) Likewise, many such countries ALSO have a discrimination code, which covertly comes into play when you send such documents, and they can legitimately screen you and reject you on Color, race, nationality.
c) Many Recruitment agencies in Western countries are covertly told NOT to engage or even consider such persons on the basis of race, color, age etc, but the agencies are on a commission, and will do as they are told.
d)I have had agencies who cannot even read their own adverts, in which clearly it asks for NATIVE English Speakers, but they have interpreted this as NATIVE BORN TO THAT COUNTRY! So they reject you whether you’re a native English speaker or not!
e) Even if you are Western, e.g. British, USA, etc, when they ask for NATIVE SPEAKERS of English, be wary, some agencies interpret this as WHITE CAUCASION in appearance, and IF your passport says anything OTHER than Born in the West, no matter whether you are native or not, they will not recruit you.
Unfortunately, for many excellent and mature, "off white" persons, whether you like it or not, there is a whole host of ways they can reject you- RULE OF THUMB IS, EYES WIDE OPEN- DON’T BE NAÏVE, AND REMEMBER FOR MANY OF THESE COUNTRIES, LIKE IT OR NOT, WHITE SKIN, BLUE EYED BLONDE YOUNG CAUCASION REPERSENTS PRESTIGE FOR THEM!! It will take many years for them to think otherwise!
On balance, Western countries also do this, but covertly!
Sorry if I offend, but this is a forum right?!!!

I recruit for schools from within China, a lot of emails come my way from potential candidates, many unfortunately are not very serious about applying at all and are just sniffing about. So to eliminate the wheat from the chaff I ask for all details from the outset: Passport - 1. I need to identify the person applying 2. I need to check their age. 3. I need to see that they have sufficient length until their date of expiry. Now, while it is proper to be cautious, don’t be paranoid (especially my american friends out there). On a another note, I am constantly confounded about the poorly crafted applications that come my way, often with greeting such as, "Hey’’ or "Can I have more info?" Another irritation is the lack of courtesy, with such things as failing to sign off an email with a simple ’thanks’ or a ’yours faithfully’ et al. So, for those of you out there applying for jobs that are having trouble stringing a sentence together, or are unable to write a cover letter, call your grandma and ask her what to do. All the best.

Yes but what i want to know is - is it normal for them to ask for a birth certificate after asking for my passport? I have only encountered this with one company.

Hello Mr. Morton. It’s true that most places will ask for proof of your credentials, and even a passport style photo. However, anything more than that, you should be slightly weary of. I have taught in many cities around the world, and have only ever needed to provide pictures of my degrees and provide the typical passport style photo. Sometimes the employer requires references, which I gladly provide once I am certain of the legitimacy of the employer.

I hope this answer helps, and I hope the replies of others have helped you as well!

Happy Travels Mr.Morton!

Dear Steven,

They ask for a passport page because it has to be a recent photo and true age. Two things that matter in the Middle East at least. If you doubt the sender check out their web page
Judy D

Hi Steve

If an agent is involved, as can be the case in Middle East, and the agent is in UK / US etc, then it is probably just standard procedure. If you have any doubts, it is always better to be safe. You can always reply without the scan of your passport and assess the tone of the reply to help you decide if the request for your document is genuine.

I’ve wondered about this too...At first instinct it sounds like a scam and there is a chance that it might be. When I was offered the position that I ended up taking last year in China, I emailed one of the current workers there to see if they had to do the same thing and they said yes, not to worry. I got the job and had to end up sending it with reluctance. I have never had passport troubles since then and the school was fine in terms of not being sketchy while I was there, but hey, you never know, they may have hired me and sold the passport scan on the side. Either way it hasn’t effected my life, but I wouldn’t send it without speaking with a citizen of your own country who currently works there first. Those passport pages are valuable.

This is to the response of Mr.Steven Morton, My name is Carmela Caruso, I am not disputing about asking passport or any Important documents that is a procedure, all I am saying that whenever I get job offer I makes a point to apply if it is relevant to me and I know when I forward my CV/Resume for sure I am rejected because my background is from India, no matter I live or will live rest of my life in Toronto-Canada I will never be given a chance also, all at times when I get offers the countries which I have not even applied, eg.Russia, Maxico etc. which I am not interestes I have already mentioned where I want to work, anyway I know it is no use of giving anything in details or explain because there will be another excuse, it is not only to me but most of Asian people are going through the same.

I have just not sent that info! Anyway, I would like to ask: did anybody ever tell you that they would pay all fees but you had to go the police to apply for a work permit? Very curious about this1

I would not provide documents other than what I would provide in my home country, during the application process. Look at the qualifications for the position: BA, MA or Doctorate, 5 years experience, and so on. You can easily present your degree documents for validation and CV/resume. Being a native speaker or holding a specific passport only requires verbal/written notice, and by simply responding to the ad you have declared that you meet the qualifications. A photo or passport is NOT necessary. IF you are lying, you will easily be found out. If you are lying, you may have lied about your documents. Some ads only require native speaking ability, so why send a passport or photo? What is there to prove? There is NO need to send personal, private and confidential documents.

May I point to the UK for making pictures a requirement that so many countries have adopted? I recently applied for an embassy job through the US Department of State. You may fact check this information: they STRONGLY advise applicants not to send documents, such as passport pictures or data, until requested. You only need to submit your CV/resume and cover/introduction letter. This is because you will be hired based on your CREDENTIALS. Credentials/Qualifications do not consist of race, creed, belief, etc.

The act of asking for personal information prior to or at any point in the APPLICATION process is: discriminating, opening the door to discrimination, and encouraging participation in discrimination.

In my experience, I refuse to provide such data. I ALWAYS advise hiring agencies that this data can be used to access my financial information (true) commit identity fraud (true) and otherwise scam me (true) in addition to denying me a position based on appearance or personal choices (true- and choice being something MANY people in the world do not have!). So, why would they want me to be in such a position for a j. o. b.? Trust that the headache ’obtained’ once these situations have found you, will make you regret your actions.

If I am opposed to discrimination- why would I open the door and invite it in for "coffee or tea?"

Let me ask a question. Who said I will accept the position that’s offered? I know there are many people that are in a situation where they will accept the first/any offer that is presented. Who said I was that person? I will work for the company of my choosing, so please, do not require these documents to "process" me. Should a company hire me before I have accepted a (note I said ’a’ and not ’their’) position, I may not be able to work for another company, because I have already been "processed" for an employer whose offer I DID NOT- CHOOSE/Accept!
This means, thank you, but no thank you. Are we not human beings- deserving human beings? I guess not all of us are. I do believe in God as my Provider and Strength- not the employer. I am not saying that you have to, but it works WELL for me.

I hope this helps. You- and anyone else with this question- do not need to feel pressured into providing information you are not comfortable with providing. If you are pushed- simply push back. You WILL get hired! Unfortunately, so many have felt the need to be bullied and harassed and intimidated into doing what is supposedly "the accepted norm" ...until they are ’affected’ by what they always declared was "perfectly acceptable" and "perfectly normal." Do not be one of those people ... here today living off of the benefit of discrimination... gone tomorrow affected by the benefit of discrimination. Require the ethics/integrity you were raised (possibly) to achieve in others. Do not encourage the ethics/integrity you were raised (possibly) to change.

May I whole heartedly concur with thread September 5, 2012): Ev Ils? (Sorry if I got it wrong)! You are truly a man (women) after my own heart! Thank you for highlighting such discriminatory practices. I will very so0n be posting just such a thread from my own RECENT Chinese experience. Watch this space!

This is the norm for job postings in China. The passport has your birthday on it and that’s what they are looking at. They have those stupid age laws which are not always followed, but they need to check and your nationality.

Hello Steven. Yes, I have often been asked for that. For the employers it serves two functions. It lets them know what you look like, and it proves your nationality. It is wise to black out your passport number (and maybe even your birth date). Others have advised me to only send pdf files for CV and such as they cannot be easily altered.

They check your age, nationality and skin colour. A Chinese agent told me that once, after asking me if I was black because the Chinese children cry when they see black people was his absurd explanation. Having worked in Asia ...mongolia more precisely I watched helplessly as our Black American teachers were greeted with whatsup and given high fives gangsta down in the hood style. It really peeved me off since they were really educated respectable teachers. Stay out of Asia, its not worth the torture.