Stuck Without a Relieving Letter: How to Handle Delays from an Overseas Employer?

I was working in an African country, and my work contract was over. However, my employer was delaying its renewal. Consequently, I had to make an excuse and return to my home country, taking medical leave for one month. After my leave ended, my employer wanted me to wait for the work contract as the process had not yet started, and I had not been paid for my leaves. As a result, I decided to submit my resignation.

Currently, my employer is further delaying providing me with a clear answer regarding the relieving letter, experience letter, and payment for my accrued leaves. Could you please provide guidance on how to proceed in this situation?

When the contract is not renewed upon expiry of the period mentioned in it, it means the contract was already over. I don't think any formal relief is essential. So, no question of any resignation or leave will arise when the contractual relationship was already over with the expiry of the contract.

At best, you can ask him for any unpaid money due to him and take legal action if he fails.

Thank you for your advice, Mr. Umakanthan. My contract ended in July, and I had a work permit, so I had to work with my employer until October. Subsequently, I took medical leave in November as my contract was not renewed and my work permit expired. The employer mentioned that the contract would not be renewed until December due to changes in immigration laws and did not pay me for November. Consequently, I resigned in December due to the uncertainty. However, in February, he provided me with a relieving letter dated 31st October to avoid paying me for November, which was my approved paid leave. Additionally, he only gave me one month's paid leave salary in three years of service. Sir, please guide me on this matter.

Further, my employer has a track record of harassing Indian overseas employees.

Guidance on Obtaining Relieving and Experience Letters

First, try to obtain the relieving or experience letter from your employer so that you can apply to other companies and start your new job. Taking action against your previous employer is easier said than done, as most employers do not even bother to reply to notices or strictly follow the rules. Moreover, it may prove detrimental if the employment does not adhere to the immigration rules of the country.

I understand this advice may not convince you at this moment, but think practically and try to move on with your life without getting dragged into avoidable issues. Having the offer letter may be helpful, though nothing beats getting the relieving letter. Try not to rush into anything, as it may not be worth your time and money.

I concur with the observations of Aks17. In overseas employment, you should be thorough with the employment laws of the host country. Particularly, in certain countries, government enforcement agencies may neglect to address the problems of foreign workers due to certain prejudices. Employers may take advantage of this and continue their harassment unabated. I am not sure how far the Indian Embassies in such countries come to the rescue of affected Indian workers abroad.