China seeks UTS staff passport numbers

A request by China for staff at the University of Technology Sydney to hand over their passport numbers and dates of birth has been refused by concerned academics.

The request came via an email from the science faculty's associate dean for international partnerships, Graham Richardson, following a demand by China's Education Ministry in order to continue a course for visiting students.

The email to 21 UTS academics said they were required to provide the information "as part of the ongoing review of this program", The Australian reports on Tuesday.

"You may be concerned by the request for your passport number," Mr Richardson said.

"In China, all citizens have an identity card. As we don't have these in Australia the next best option for them is your current passport number."

The course at the centre of the controversy, biotechnology, is delivered in partnership with China's Hebei National University.

The request for personal information was rejected by UTS staff and the university later amended its advice.

It acknowledged academics' concerns, but said staff would still be required to provide their year and month of birth "to maintain accreditation of the joint program".