Mavis asked to hold permits (5)
I believe the answer is:
visas
'permits' is the definition.
(I know this)
'mavis asked to hold' is the wordplay.
'to hold' indicates a hidden word (I've seen 'holding' mean this).
'VISAS' is hidden within 'mavis asked'.
(Other definitions for visas that I've seen before include "Passport stamps permitting travel" , "Travel documents required by some countries" , "They allow the bearer to enter a country" , "More than one travel document" , "travel permits" .)