Overseas Employment and Visa Issues: How Should I Handle Employer's Reimbursement Demand?

Seeking Advice on Overseas Employment and Visa Issues

I had been employed overseas for a job, but I came back due to the political situation and poor working atmosphere. I was sent on a Business Visa for a job and was told that the work permit would be changed thereafter. However, I did not receive an offer letter or contract letter. In India, I was informed I would be paid $1500 monthly, but upon arriving there, I was told I would only receive 50,000 Indian rupees.

Since my return, the employer is asking me to refund the money he spent on my business visa, as no terms and conditions were laid out for me.

I would like to ask for advice and suggestions on the right course of action if the employer files a case for reimbursements. According to labor law, an employee cannot work on a Business Visa without an agreement.

I would appreciate your correct advice on this matter.

Regards,
Vikas

You mentioned that you had been employed overseas, but please specify the country name since the law differs from country to country. Also, let the forum know whether the company is an Indian company and if you were working for them overseas so that seniors can advise you accordingly.

Thank you for your reply. I had been employed in Nigeria, Lagos, by an Indian company with a branch in Mumbai, Kandivili, dealing with pharma drugs and formulations medicine. I had not signed any contract with them since they had verbally offered me $1500 as my monthly package. However, upon reaching there, I came to know that my basic salary would be $50k, along with challenging working conditions and mental harassment.

Now, the company is asking me to pay for my visa and ticket charges, although it was a Business Visa that the company had arranged for me to travel due to their urgency. They have hired a lawyer to send me a notice to reimburse the expenses.

Kindly provide me with appropriate advice.

[Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Thank you.

Legal Notice Response and Visa Expense Query

Hire a lawyer since the company has sent you a legal notice. You are supposed to reply to the notice sent to you. Also, let the forum know how much money the company is demanding for their visa expenses. If it is a meager amount, then it is better to pay off rather than hiring a lawyer.

First, when you have not received any written document from the company for your job, then why would you move? It can be more problematic than what you had, but God help you - thanks to God. Never ever trust in such things which are baseless.

As per my understanding, you don't have to worry. Instead, reply to the notice using a law. You have two strong points: first, no written document of your job like an offer letter or contract letter, and second, you were on a business visa. In any country, a business visa is only for roaming around, not for working in the country.

In your response, you can mention these points.

Regards,
Kasim Ansari

I agree with Mr. Kasim Ansari and request you to follow his advice of not responding to the legal notice when there is no written document. They should also have any documentary evidence to prove their views. If any suit is filed against you, only then should you file a reply while taking the visa as the company sent you abroad for procuring business, not for doing a job. You performed the job and reported back to the company. Now, you are no longer interested in procuring business for the company while roaming abroad.

Regards,
V K Gupta