Passport number request on job application.

[kind dilbert]

Can any recruiters tell me what information a company 'harvests' with a potential candidates passport number?

[sunbeam alpine]

Maybe it's just to see that you have one (maybe some people still don't).

Does the role involve overseas travel?

[deckster]

None at all, requesting passport information is entirely normal these days and is due to recent regulations around making sure that candidates are entitled to work in the EU.

It's a non-issue, just get used to it.

[Eric Mc]

Employers these days have a legal obligation to check the UK Residence Status of job applicants. If they fail to do this, they could be fined.

[valiant]

Yep, had something like this happen to me about 10 years ago.

Employer asked me to bring a passport or proof of residency to the interview merely to ensure they're meeting their obligations regarding illegals and whatnot.

Perfectly acceptable.

[GhiaX]

So what happens if you do not have a passport?

I've only got an expired one, and as I have not travelled outside the country since before that one came into force I deemed it unnecessary to replace it.

[Countdown]

GhiaX said:

So what happens if you do not have a passport?

I've only got an expired one, and as I have not travelled outside the country since before that one came into force I deemed it unnecessary to replace it.

They would verify your "right to work" by asking for NI number, Birth Certificate, naturalisation certificate.

From memory there's a website hitch shows the evidence employers need to obtain. If they don't and mployee later tuns out to be illegal , mployer gets whacked with heavy fine.

[mph1977]

kind dilbert said:

Can any recruiters tell me what information a company 'harvests' with a potential candidates passport number?

your citizenship status ?

the fines for employing someone who is not eligible to work in the UK are substantial

consequently sight of passport ( for anyone) and /or long form Birth Certificate (for UK citizens) are routine parts of the recruitment process.