Hi,
I am working as a software engineer. I\'m an H1B holder. Before coming to US, I\'ve signed an agreement with my employer in Chennai, India. The agreement says that, I have to be working with the company for a minimum period of 18 project months. Before completing 18 project months of my service with the company, if I quit, all the expenses incurred on me (like VISA fees, attorney fee, relocation expenses etc.) which is to the tune of $10000 (Ten thousand dollars only) should be reimbursed to the company.
This agreement, though I signed in India, I signed in the US office letter head. So, it appears as if I signed in US office.
I\'ve been working with my employer for the past 13 months (from Aug. 27th 1999) and now I\'ve got a good offer and I took it up and I am joining the new company by the last week of this month.
Will the agreement legally hold me from quiting my employer and joining the new company ? Is there a possibility of me getting sued by my employer or being issued a notice from the lawer ? What should I do if such scenario arises ?
I hear from my friends, that, in US, it\'s against the labour law to have such agreement and it is not valid here in US and hence I need not worry about that. Some of my other friends are of a diff. opinion, that the agreement doesn\'t mention that it is a bond, and since it requires only the expenses to be reimbursed, it holds good, and I may be sued.
Can you please clarify this ? Your earliest possible reply will be highly appreciated.
Thanks a lot in advance
Muthukumar
I am working as a software engineer. I\'m an H1B holder. Before coming to US, I\'ve signed an agreement with my employer in Chennai, India. The agreement says that, I have to be working with the company for a minimum period of 18 project months. Before completing 18 project months of my service with the company, if I quit, all the expenses incurred on me (like VISA fees, attorney fee, relocation expenses etc.) which is to the tune of $10000 (Ten thousand dollars only) should be reimbursed to the company.
This agreement, though I signed in India, I signed in the US office letter head. So, it appears as if I signed in US office.
I\'ve been working with my employer for the past 13 months (from Aug. 27th 1999) and now I\'ve got a good offer and I took it up and I am joining the new company by the last week of this month.
Will the agreement legally hold me from quiting my employer and joining the new company ? Is there a possibility of me getting sued by my employer or being issued a notice from the lawer ? What should I do if such scenario arises ?
I hear from my friends, that, in US, it\'s against the labour law to have such agreement and it is not valid here in US and hence I need not worry about that. Some of my other friends are of a diff. opinion, that the agreement doesn\'t mention that it is a bond, and since it requires only the expenses to be reimbursed, it holds good, and I may be sued.
Can you please clarify this ? Your earliest possible reply will be highly appreciated.
Thanks a lot in advance
Muthukumar