I apparently don’t exist.

At least not enough to work or get paid.

My passport ran out in January and by the time I’d figured out what to send to whom, and got the right sort of photos taken, and filled in all the forms, and sent it off, it was the 14th of April. Then Easter got in the way.

Simultaneously (mid March) I applied for a job.

Yesterday I received a phone call. A secretary was pleased to tell me that I’d got the job (YAY) provided I could produce my passport and a copy of my birth certificate.

Oh yeah.

Not only can I not open a bank account*, I also can’t get a job.

I phoned the embassy but they don’t issue identity documents.

I went home to find the most ginormous envelope full of forms to fill out and requirements for other paperwork.

For example, I need a police check. Like a crb check. I also need to let them know if (and for how long) I was a prisoner of war.

Just for the record, I am a glass blower. I am applying for a one year part time job.

ARGH.

* I tried in February when I moved here, but it seems only people with valid passports can open bank accounts. Ho-hum.

Argh.

I’m on the way to talk to the Secretary.