H1B visa transfer - previous employer giving problem

[lata]

one of my friend was working for company A, they were not giving him any work and he was on bench, but they were paying salary.
he got offer from another company B and he joined there.
however when he came to USA and joined company A, he had to sign a contract with them that if he leaves them within 18 months, he has to pay some amount. he left them in 6 months and now they are asking for $10000 and threatening to sue stating that he signed the contract here in USA and it is enforceable.
can someone advice on this please?

[prashu50]

I am also in same situation.
Can anybody guide me on this.

[devs]

Need Help Urgently

I am in a similar situation too. Anyone have any info on how to resolve this issue?

Dev.

[vijaysank]

check this forum,

http://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6725

[gbshankar]

If the penalty clause is part of the job offer terms, to come to USA, then you would end-up paying the money. If the penalty clause is taken as a separate contract on a separate paper, then your employer cannot force you to pay the money, since court may view the same as coercion.

Please note: No legal advice.