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Employment without papers: lawful support and next steps

Separate identity documents, residence status and work permission when seeking appropriate help and checking promises of regularisation.
Practical guide · Updated 26 October 2026
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Clarify what being without papers means

The expression without papers can cover different administrative circumstances and does not alone determine which steps are available. Gather the evidence you have about your identity, presence in the country and employment, then seek competent assistance without treating an offer of work as automatic regularisation of your status.

Protect your records and seek independent assistance

Administrative difficulties can make recruitment promises especially misleading. Keep messages and evidence of work, avoid giving original documents to an unidentified intermediary and ask a specialist organisation or qualified professional in the country concerned to assess your circumstances and explain the options relevant to you.

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