Termination before Start

[timottk]

Dear all,

i have a really problematic issue at the moment and would like to understand if anybody can help me with below question:

I got a job offer which i accepted in SG, but now i cant probably move there because of some family problems. Therefore i thinking about to terminate already my contract before i start. I checked my contract, but there is nothing really written about terminating before start. Only within probation phase there is a clause.

Now my question: Does anybody has an idea what would be the worst what can happen in this case? I mean i guess i need to pay some already done expenses (e.g organization of EP, Relocation Services) which would be ok if this would not be thounds of SGDs.

Would they sue me in Singapore? Does this have impact on getting to SG at a later point?

Every advice would be helpful.

[PNGMK]

if you resign before you start you are not likely to be sued. Even if you are collection will be hard.

[timottk]

What kind of expenses do i have to expect? So far i am expecting following that i would need to pay:

- 1 week of salary as a penalty, because 1 week i would have notice period in the probation phase and i wouldn't show up then so i guess need to pay in-leu then therefore or?

- Cancellation Fee for the Hotel they offered me for start

Not sure about following
- Whole EP Process -> will / can they charge for this
- Relocation Agency -> will / can they charge me for their work

And e.g. if i do pay the penalty, will this have impact on entering the country in the future.

[PNGMK]

I would not pay any expenses unless it was specifically spelt out in your offer letter or contract and even then I probably wouldn't pay. This is a normal part of business.

[timottk]

I would even pay some penalty, due the point that i signed contact and now it is just a week left till i should start.

Mainly i am really just concerned that they will sue me for all expenses they had because of me and this could be i guess a few thousand SGD in the worst case. Also i dont know if i would have to expect some issue later in case if i want to come for holidays once to Singapore.

Does anybody have some experience with it? Because worth case i would came and would maybe leave after a few weeks

[joeyy]

Dear all,

i have a really problematic issue at the moment and would like to understand if anybody can help me with below question:

I got a job offer which i accepted in SG, but now i cant probably move there because of some family problems. Therefore i thinking about to terminate already my contract before i start. I checked my contract, but there is nothing really written about terminating before start. Only within probation phase there is a clause.

Now my question: Does anybody has an idea what would be the worst what can happen in this case? I mean i guess i need to pay some already done expenses (e.g organization of EP, Relocation Services) which would be ok if this would not be thounds of SGDs.

Would they sue me in Singapore? Does this have impact on getting to SG at a later point?

Every advice would be helpful.

If based on contract paper, there isn't any clause regards to terminating before start, you can let them know in that you would like to terminate the contract. Do read through your contact/Letter of Employment properly, so not to miss it out.

Hope your issue can be solve! (:

[sundaymorningstaple]

Contracts in Singapore are not valid until the relevant pass has been issued. All contracts are contingent on the issue of the work pass. I don't think it can be upheld if only the IPA as been issued, but I have my doubts. However as noted before, any prepayments would have to be paid. If you, the job seeker, paid an agent in your own country, that's your problem, not the employer and if you owe them money, you need to find a way as depending on the country you are from, it could be dangerous.