I am resigning from my company. I am in New York on an L-1 intra-company transfer visa, since they transferred me to the US office from the UK HQ 5 years ago. Is the company obliged to pay for my repatriation? I really hope so. Anybody know?
Cheers!
First of all - have you dug out your Contract of Employment? What does it say in the event of a job termination or resignation?
I understand that when companies bring employees over on intra-company transfers they have to satisfy the INS that they will repatriate the employee when the visa expires or the the employee no longer works for the company.
However, since it was your decision to resign, it may be that the company won't be as generous with your shipping allowance or class of your journey back to the UK. I hope they don't try and recover some of the expense from you - if it's a reputable company you will probably be OK.
I heard of some horror stories when we lived in the Far East for expats working in local companies who resigned or were made redundant, but of course with an L1 you are probably working for a major international company anyway.
I agree with Dawn, unless it's in your contract (which I think is unlikely) they ain't going to pay.
The INS usually require companies to repatriate employees who are fired, but the situation may be different if you quit.
I feared that might be the case. Thanks all for your comments. Much appreciated.
I wouldn't be so sure. They sent you out here, and even though it was your decision to return to the UK, they still may be liable. I would suggest checking it out, they well may have to repatriate you.
Why should they be liable? Just because they relocated you out here doesn't mean when you resign you get relocated back. Now if they fired you I'm sure that would be another story..
I dont think they should either!