Who should have the original workpermit approval letter ?

[mxn]

Hi,

All of a sudden my HR manager is asking for the original workpermit letter as he tells he needs the original for his records.

I know that I need to have the original workpermit approval letter, I want to prove him wrong but not able to find quick links to some immigration websites which clearly tells that work permit holder needs to retain the original letter and not the employer

can you please send me some links please.

thanks

[Rogerio]

I have always kept mine, especially as when you come back into the country, the IO may ask you for it. At least that was i was told...

[rooi_ding]

I had to produce my original work permit letter when my wife applied as a dependant, There was no mention in the documents section of the SET O form about producing original work permit letter.

On a personal level, I would never hand over any original document that I would possible need to use regarding my immigration status, especially not to people who have no idea of the importance of these documents.

[Rogerio]

I would never give it to the company either.

[mxn]

I totally agree.

But problem is I need to convince my HR Manager about the importance of this document.

He tells that the Stamp on your passport is more than sufficient to prove you have got the work permit

And he will only understand if he sees in writing some where which clearly mentions that the work permit approval letter needs to be with the work permit holder

I will be greatfull if anyone has any links to any websites. iam searching but iam not able to find the right websites

thanks

[olisun]

did you get the WP from the current company or u are working at the client's place?

if yes, then the company should have a copy of the WP approval letter.

But you are not obliged to hand over the original WP approval letter to the company but you can maybe provide him with a copy.

[Papafaith]

Dont handover the original, will be a big mistake. I advise that you make a copy and ask a Solicitor to certify, and handover the certified copy to your employer.

[mxn]

iam working for the company which did my work permit.

[tekaweni]

Have you asked your company whether they would be happy with a certified copy? If so, no problem.

You will need the original when you apply for ILR eventually anyway.

I'd write to the Home Office and ask them who should hold it, the company or you. Maybe they could issue a duplicate?

[John]

In order for the employer to get a Statutory Defence to any suggestion that they are employing an illegal worker, in respect of anyone in the UK and working with a Work Permit, the employer needs to have in their possession a copy of the Work Permit letter, and also a copy of the name/pic page and the employment visa page from the person's passport.

So it is entirely reasonable that the employer should have and retain such photocopies, but no one are they entitled to retain the originals.

Mxn, even better for the employer are certified copies, not mere photocopies. Get your solicitor to do a certified copy of the Work Permit, and also of the two relevant pages from your passport, then supply those certified copies to the employer for them to retain.

[abcd1]

The employer applies for WP - so they can keep it.

A copy of WP should be given to the employee.

during FLR application - the visa is stamped on employees passport and a letter (mentioning candiates employer name, salary, position etc.) is issued and that should remain with the employer.