Scam in GuyanaOther tricks
Employer holds a passport to prevent departure in Guyana
How it works
An employer keeps a worker's passport to stop them resigning or leaving.
Warning signs
- The employer insists on keeping your original passport.
- Your passport is not returned when requested.
- Document access is tied to staying in the job.
How to avoid it
- Keep control of your passport.
- Ask why an original document is needed and when it will be returned.
- Keep secure copies of your identity and employment documents.
If it happens to you
Avoid a confrontation that could put you at risk. Contact your embassy or consulate and seek help recovering your document and leaving safely.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed threat.
- Seek medical help if you are injured. Ask trusted staff or companions for immediate support.
- Block stolen cards and secure affected accounts. Ask your payment provider whether a disputed payment can be stopped or challenged.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and transaction records. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to the police. Request a report reference or written record if available.
- Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need consular help, your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News202672-Hour Ultimatum: Attorneys Demand Pay, Return Tickets for Indian Quarry WorkersAttorneys representing Indian quarry workers alleged that passports were confiscated upon arrival and demanded unpaid wages and return tickets after state intervention secured the documents.Read on News
- Government advice2026Press Release: Statement by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning on matters involving EKAA HRIM resource management employeesWorkers alleged their employer withheld passports, while the company claimed safekeeping and the Labour Ministry confirmed their return without establishing an intent to prevent departure.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the employer holds a passport to prevent departure scam in Guyana?
An employer keeps a worker's passport to stop them resigning or leaving.
How can I spot it early?
The employer insists on keeping your original passport. Your passport is not returned when requested. Document access is tied to staying in the job.
How do I avoid employer holds a passport to prevent departure in Guyana?
Keep control of your passport. Ask why an original document is needed and when it will be returned. Keep secure copies of your identity and employment documents.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid a confrontation that could put you at risk. Contact your embassy or consulate and seek help recovering your document and leaving safely.
Where in Guyana does this happen?
Overseas employment; a general travel warning, not a documented Guyana-specific pattern
How common is this scam in Guyana?
Occasional. Petty street crime is a concern in Georgetown, while river-boat operators may charge tourists higher fares. Muggings are possible at Stabroek Market but are described as infrequent; most other risks have no clear frequency figures. The work-offer scams below are general travel risks, not established Guyana-specific patterns.
Are there similar scams in Guyana?
Yes: fake job with an advance fee, job offers that steal personal information, promised wages without enough paid hours.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, fraud or threats once safe. Give the location, time and available evidence. Ask for a report reference; follow-up help may be limited. Bank, card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or verified contact details to block cards, report unauthorised transactions and ask about payment disputes. Embassy or consulate: use official contact details for help with a missing passport, detention, employer-held documents or finding local legal assistance. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Job-listing service: report a fraudulent employer through the service where the advert appeared. Include the advert, messages and payment requests.
Reviewed by @snuck