Is an offer letter legally binding if the contract is issued after arrival?
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2026 1:44 am
Hello everyone,
I’m hoping to get some insight from people who’ve worked abroad or have experience with international hiring practices.
I’ve noticed that in many overseas roles (especially in the Gulf and parts of Asia), employers issue an offer letter first, with the actual employment contract only being processed after arrival in the country. The offer letter often outlines salary, benefits, duration, and start date, but usually includes clauses like “subject to paperwork, references, and approvals.”
How legally binding is an offer letter if the formal contract is signed only after arrival?
If the contract terms differ from the offer letter, what protections does the employee actually have?
Thanks in advance for any insight you’re willing to share.
I’m hoping to get some insight from people who’ve worked abroad or have experience with international hiring practices.
I’ve noticed that in many overseas roles (especially in the Gulf and parts of Asia), employers issue an offer letter first, with the actual employment contract only being processed after arrival in the country. The offer letter often outlines salary, benefits, duration, and start date, but usually includes clauses like “subject to paperwork, references, and approvals.”
How legally binding is an offer letter if the formal contract is signed only after arrival?
If the contract terms differ from the offer letter, what protections does the employee actually have?
Thanks in advance for any insight you’re willing to share.