Is It Safe to Hand Over Original Documents for a Job Offer? Seeking Advice

I've received a job offer from a company, but they are requesting to retain my original documents (marksheets and degree certificates) for the duration of my employment there. I am feeling quite apprehensive about this situation. When I inquired about the reason for this requirement, they explained that it is company policy and assured me that my documents will be returned on the day I depart from the organization.

Please advise me on whether I should accept the job offer and if it is acceptable for me to submit my original certificates.

Regards,
starshine

It's not better for you and your future. According to me, it is not correct. Sometimes, without any information, they can take a loan against your documents, and you could not do anything against this.

Recently, I came across my friend in a similar dilemma, and we chose not to join the company that asked for his original certificates.

Reasons Companies May Retain Original Documents

A company may insist on retaining the original documents of the newly joined employee for certain reasons:

1. The profile assigned to the employee might be sensitive, where they handle confidential information or are subject to financial risk/loss. The company does not want the employee to leave suddenly without informing the employer, potentially causing significant losses.

2. The company may doubt that it has the minimum capability to retain the employee due to its work atmosphere, culture, internal systems, and policies.

It could be one of the above reasons or a combination of both. When you submit your documents to the company, they have the upper hand. They may start dictating terms to you or even force you to work on hectic schedules. They might also compel you to extend notice periods, ultimately binding you to this employer.

I would suggest never submitting your documents in exchange for employment. It clearly sends a bad message about the company.

I am unaware of the level at which you have applied and the range of your compensation, so my views will be generic in approach.

Regards,
Sriram

I agree with Neepunjika. Please familiarize yourself with the company and its policies. However, there may not be specific policies regarding the retention of employee certificates. The intention is likely to encourage employees to stay with the company long-term. Therefore, I advise against submitting your certificates. Doing so could potentially create issues for you if a better opportunity arises in the future.

You should consider providing your certificates only to multinational corporations that offer competitive salaries and benefits. In such cases, there should be fewer concerns about sharing your certificates.

As far as I am concerned, the company cannot keep your original certificates or marksheet. You should make attested or notarized copies of your certificates and provide them. Attestation of any certificate is as good as the original. However, I think you should not give them your original certificates.

Thanks,
Aparna

Please don't take such an opportunity. I have faced the same kind of issue in my life. It was very hard to get back those documents.

Regards,
Aslam

I feel that this is a clear case of desperation by the company to compel people to work and not leave the company. It's better to be unemployed for a few more weeks rather than be blackmailed into continuing to work. No organization can make any rules that go against the laws of the land. The company can ask you to show proof and can even ask you to provide attested copies of the same to them. If security is a concern, they can have you sign a "Non-disclosure agreement" or even a "non-competition agreement" for a specific time period. Please do not play with your own future.

Regards, Shridhar

Never submit your original documents anywhere. Instead, tell them that you can provide them with attested photocopies. If they are okay with that, then you can proceed with joining; otherwise, look for other opportunities.

Thanks
Regards

Yes, this practice is quite common in some industries in Bangladesh as well. However, its applicability depends on the organization, the nature of its business, and the employee benefits offered, among other factors that contribute to making your final decision. If the employee benefits are satisfactory and meet your needs, then I believe you should consider accepting the offer.

Thanks