How to ask about work permits without causing offence

[Giantt]

CoupeKid said:

I was asked for a scan of my passport this week ahead of an interview and I'm clearly British. No offence taken. It's standard procedure for proof of ID necessary for screening.

Strange how something becomes standard procedure, necessary,when in fact it isn't,as the government don't/won't do their job of keeping the country secure,they pass the onus onto employers, unfortunately as no one seems to have any backbone in this country,it becomes... standard, necessary with no questioning