I've read in France you need to give a notice period to your employer thought they can waive it. Not sure what is the consequence if they just walked out.
Also I know from someone that worked in India that the employer would hold back some money which would be forfeited if they left without giving a notice period. Not sure how common that is.
Re: India. It’s very common. Large IT firms like Tech Mahindra, Cognizant etc do it. I had offers from a company where they wanted around 1 year salary of signed check. If I leave before 2 years, they use the check.
Some companies go a step ahead and keep your original documents (Degree certificate etc) so you can’t apply elsewhere after accepting offer. It’s ridiculous.
And probably should be illegal. For one, a notarized version is supposed to have the same weight as original. Unless this is mentioned in the contract, they cannot legally hold your personal belongings either.
> Not sure what is the consequence if they just walked out.
Typically you'd be charged by the company for the time you didn't work. Since you generally are owed money when you leave (like vacations, bonus, etc) they take it from there.
https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/observatories/emcc/erm/legis...
Also I know from someone that worked in India that the employer would hold back some money which would be forfeited if they left without giving a notice period. Not sure how common that is.