Relocation contract question

Hi all,


I have been offered a relocation package by my company to HK, and they have suggested that my contract should be changed to a local one, as I will be heading up the new branch office there.


There have been a number of additions to the contract beyond what I have currently in my UK one, notably:


1. 2 year notice period

2. Financial penalties (substantial lump sum payments) to the company in the event that I leave early, above and beyond repayment of relocation related fees.


The lump sum penalties are over and above what I would have to pay on buying out any remaining notice period, thereby effectively locking me in at pain of financial ruin should I choose to leave within 2 years.


Such penalties are not legal under UK law, but apparently are under HK law. I haven't yet sought legal advice myself, and I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on firstly, whether this is in fact legal in HK, and if so, is this a common feature of employment contracts there.


Thanks for any advice you can give.