[maz]

Hi,
I have been offered a job, but they want to tie me in to a year's contract. If I leave in less than a year, I would be liable to pay back the company's costs in getting me a working visa. These costs include a consultant's fees and are reasonably substantial. Is this usual? In the UK, it wouldn't be legally enforcible? Is it here?
I would be very pleased to receive any advice!

[JAherbert]

hi,
contracts are normal, one year seems reasonable. typically contract terms state that a bonus will be payable at the end of contract, provided you serve the entire contact period.

As discussed previously here, companies have to jump through various hoops to apply for an employment visa, I have done it a few times and I doubt I would bother again.

No idea if it legal but seems like a good idea.

[PDLM]

If you sign a contract under those terms then I don't see why it wouldn't be legal (nor in the UK for that matter). But they really shouldn't need to employ a consultant - getting an employment visa is really a very easy process and costs about 10 quid.