Repatriation Penalties After Resigning An Expatriate Job

[expatasia]

I just resigned from a overseas expat posting for a US company to take another job back in the states. I knew the company would not pay for the move back, but now they are saying they will deduct penalties for the company car and the apartment lease, both in the company's name. These penalties were not clearly stipulated in the assignment handbook nor the acceptance letter. What are my rights here, can they arbitrarily charge me for this?

[expatasia]

I just resigned from an overseas expat position with a major US corporation in order to take another job back in the united states. In the lengthy employment guidelines which outline every aspect of the assignment, it clearly states that if I resign to take another job they will not pay costs of relocating me back to my home country. Fair enough, but now they are insisting I pay for car lease and apartment termination fees, both under contract with the company, not me. Is this legal? The assignment guidelines do not mention any specific penalties, and mention nothing if I were to take a job and stay in host country. Is company within their rights to go after me for these fees when it wasn't outlined in guidelines or acceptance letter? What is to keep them from charging me the cost of finding my replacement?

[cbg]

It's not prohibited by law. However, we can't tell you if it's permissable under your contract because we haven't read it. You'll have to show your contract to an attorney.

[expatasia]

Ok,
There is not a contract, just a corporate policy. 30+ pages outlining every aspect of the expatriate assignment. However, when it comes to resignation the policy simply states the company will not pay the cost of returning the employee and family to the home country. It doesn't spell out any penalties at all. In fact, if the resigning employee chooses to remain in the host country all that apply are an end to the company's obligations, no penalties are mentioned. Since I am owed a bonus, they have me over a barrel because they can garnish my bonus to cover the cost of ending the car and apartment lease. What are my options, how does the law look at open ended liability statements such as these, if the company chooses, they could say the cost or recruiting and moving a new employee here could constitute the cost of repatriation. How does an employee stack up in a case such as this, is it worth pursuing legally? What rights does at company have to take away your pay unilaterally?