How Can I Get My Documents from a Previous Employer Who Isn't Responding?

I was working in Kerala, and during that time, I submitted my documents. Currently, I am not working and have been relocated to Saudi Arabia for a better opportunity. I have emailed my previous company for the documents, but there has been no response. Please advise on how to proceed with this matter.

Regards, Haridas

Speak to the HR head/CEO of the company

You mentioned you submitted your MBA certificate. Without the certificate, how could you visit Jeddah (as the credentials need to be attested and carried by you) on an Employment Visa?

If there is no response from the employer's side, just send a complaint to the Assistant Labour Officer of the area. He will take care of it.

You have already shifted to the new job, so I assume you had some documents that you submitted to the employer and for your visa. What were those documents?

Check the possibility of getting duplicate certificates

Check the possibility of getting duplicate certificates through your college and university.

Withholding of Personal Documents

The original certificate is personal property. Withholding the certificate amounts to a criminal offense. You may seek the intervention of the police when you are back in the country.

In the meanwhile, you may serve a legal notice highlighting the impropriety of withholding the document.

I have decided to send an email to the labor office and proceed legally.

Steps to Retrieve Your Documents

Send a normal mail asking for the documents to be returned. Then, send a legal notice through a lawyer.

Legal Action if No Response

If there is no response, ask your lawyer to file an FIR and follow it up with a criminal case against the company, promoters, board of directors, and KMP (key managerial personnel). Ensure your lawyer gets approval for your absence during the hearing of the case.

I hope you are aware of the cost involved in pursuing these actions.

Since I am working in Saudi Arabia, is it okay if I mail my complaint to the labor office? Whether they will accept it or not is uncertain.

You can register your complaint by sending it via email. However, it is better to first speak with the relevant Assistant Labour Officer under whose jurisdiction your former employer falls. Request their email address and then proceed accordingly. You can find the telephone numbers in the following link: https://www.lc.kerala.gov.in/who-is-who. Alternatively, you can utilize the helpline number: 1800 42555 214.