My application was rejected in December on the basis of failing to provide my birth certificate which was lost at the time. In the rejection letter they stated that my passport is being held at the regional case ownership unit. I tried contacting the unit, but was unable to get hold of them. Upon contacting the UKBA they gave me another number for the unit and said that if I contact them, I would have to start making plans for my departure.
My institution assured me that I should stay in the UK and make an application regardless (but without attaching the passport).
Has anyone else's documents been retained? And do you think an application like mine can be successful (without the passport)?
I'm afraid they might reject me again for not attaching the passport

Thanks