Joining a New Job Soon: Is a Color Photocopy of My Relieving Letter Enough?

I will be joining a new employer in a few days. I have received all the documents from my current employer. Now, while submitting the documents to the new employer, should I submit the color photocopy of the original, or would a normal black and white photocopy be enough? The color photocopies would look exactly like the original, so will there be an issue? The new employer has asked for the original relieving letter; can I give them the color photocopy of the original relieving letter?

When you were selected at the new company, did the HR professional inform you about the document submission requirements? Did they ask for color photocopies or originals? If it is the latter, does it include your graduation mark sheet, certificates, etc.?

If you provide a color photocopy of your relieving letter, do you believe you won't be caught? If you were caught, would it be wise to start your tenure on a bad note? Please consider this carefully.

Thanks,
Dinesh V Divekar

The HR has asked to submit all educational and previous company documents. However, the relieving letter has been specifically requested in original. If I give the original to him, what should I do in the future? Should I give him the original and keep a color photocopy for myself? Or vice versa?

A color photocopy is still a photocopy as the original will have a signature in ink. What will the new employer do with the certificate: check and return it or hold it as security?

Have you asked him why he needs the original? Or is it required just for verification against a photocopy? Ask him the reason and tell him you are uncomfortable about submitting the original letter.

And a request not to ask for validations from this community to do anything immoral.

Of course; otherwise, where is the proof that you gave them?

Apart from what seniors have replied, I am of the opinion, what is the harm of giving the Original Relieving Letter? A relieving letter only shows that you have been relieved from the previous organization, and it does not carry any value further, if I am not wrong. When you leave the current organization, you will get the relieving letter of the current organization, which is sufficient for the future opening. No employer will ask for the relieving letter of all past employers except the previous one.

For any documentation process, it is mandatory to submit a normal photocopy of your documents. However, make sure to bring all your original documents with you because some companies verify all the credentials and match them with the photocopies.

Thank you.