COS has been issued, but then I withdrew because of Covid

[Roku222]

I need some enlightenment. I applied for a job, was offered a job, have been issued a COS, I have paid for the tier 2 visa application but did not submit it, consequently I cancelled the application. Because I cannot travel because of cOvid restrictions. So I informed the agency that I am withdrawing from the job offer. Now, they are asking me to pay for the cost of COS for £3199. Do I really have no choice but to pay for it?

[Zerubbabel]

Do you have a contract that states you pay something if you don't start a job with them?

For me, it sounds like a SCAM.

[Roku222]

I’ve only accepted a conditional job offer. Nothing that says I have to pay anything if I withdrew. I’ve read in the gov.uk website that they’ll be able to refund that if the worker/migrant withdrew. But still they are telling me to pay up, also saying that they will refund once the home office refunds the payment they’ve made for the issued COS.

[urbandude]

Your employer has paid £3000 for ISC and £199 for CoS. They will get £3000 back from home office. So only loss is £199 which they can bear.

[Zerubbabel]

I’ve only accepted a conditional job offer. Nothing that says I have to pay anything if I withdrew. I’ve read in the gov.uk website that they’ll be able to refund that if the worker/migrant withdrew. But still they are telling me to pay up, also saying that they will refund once the home office refunds the payment they’ve made for the issued COS.

Don't pay them anything. Hiring people is risk for any business. I worked in many companies and I was often involved in the hiring process. Hiring takes time, involves fees and a lot of efforts. But it happens that the candidates signs the contract then changes mind later or is getting a better offer elsewhere. It part of day to day business events. We take 3 minutes about it at the water cooler and case closed. There is no serious company that would chase a candidate asking for reimbursement of fees incurred by the hiring efforts.

[Roku222]

Thank you everyone!