kevinm3104

I was wondering if anyone could help. I've been working out here for 6 months, I was in month 5 of my probabtion with my company and I decided that I'd had enough. The wages were poor and I wasnt making enough money to live on and I was a lot worse of than I was back in the UK, i told my employer at the time that I was unhappy and wanted to leave and work elsewhere. Long story short my previous employer said he wont cancel my visa until I have paid back the 9000aed for my visa, he deducted 5000 from my salary leaving me broke and wont cancel my visa until I have paid off the remaining 4000. He also has my passport. This surely isnt legal? What can I do and who can I speak too?

thecentennial

Not sure it's "legal" to do this, the probationary period is for both parties. Does it state in your contract that the visa would have to be repaid if you leave in your probationary period?

kevinm3104

The employment agreement says the visa has to be paid if I left within the first year it doesnt mention the probabtion period. The visa is from Abu Dhabi. If I have to pay it then I'll pay it, its just the fact that he's taken all my cash and left me broke and wants the rest of it even though he knows I cant start a new job until the visa is cancelled.

coffindodger

Pop down to your local Labour Office and have a word with them.
You could also open a file and lodge a complaint .

Millhouse

Isn't the probation period in the first year though?

I was under the impression that they cannot, by law, charge you for the visa - although I guess you can probably contract out of law here!

I feel sorry for you - it's a shitty situation. Assuming the labour office is fruitless, can you not get the new employer to bankroll it or try and influence the guy?? Otherwise it's borrowing off a mate...

Euc-

Legal or not, ask for a breakdown of the costs. How did he come to 9000dhs? A visa is nowhere near that expensive.

Unless these are your total recruitment costs, you are American and recruited by an agency, only then it could make sence.

kevinm3104

I've asked him for a breakdown of the costs, I've been waiting 2 weeks now. I work as a fitness trainer and I'm from the UK, a few people have said 9000 is too much, the guy is a con-man! I only took the job with him because he said he was the biggest company in the UAE and I would have lots of work

Patsy Stoned

Kev I have Pm'd you xx

Oyibopeppeh

Passports are the property of the government which issued the passport. May be an idea to contact your embassy?