Is It Normal for Employers to Keep Original Certificates for Verification? What Should I Do?

I just got a new job after an interview. They informed me that I was selected. I asked for an offer letter by email, and they said that it would be given at the time of joining. I said okay. Upon going there today, I was informed that I would get the offer by noon, but I did not. When I asked for the certificate, I was told that I would get it after verification. I insisted that they could keep the photocopies but not the original. They said they would give it tomorrow. I came to know that they were keeping the original certificates of some employees. I took back my original certificates, and I had to speak roughly with the employer. I just left my old job since I was promised an offer letter when joining.

Is the original certificate required for verification?

Original certificates can definitely be asked for verification but not for retention.

The practice of employers trying to retain original documents is an established practice in some companies, but it is an unethical and illegal practice.

Thanks for the reply. Is retention for 1 day okay? How much time is required for verification? Do they really need originals for verification? Is a photocopy enough.

I mean, can they keep it for one day for verification?

Corrected and formatted text:

I mean, can they keep it for one day for verification?

Yes, original certificates are needed at the time of joining, but it is not necessary to submit them. They are required for verification purposes.