RBS
If this is true it sounds similar to the South African Airways deal of 6 years ago when a large number joined SQ on unpaid leave with the right to return to SAA after their Bondage was up. Most joined on the A340 and then onto the B744. Only a very few returned to SAA in the end. Three I think. One went to EK and another to USA. SAA put up the Bond money so Pilots did not have to find the money. The salary was the same as all other SQ expats.No special deal there.
This the best way to join any of these Airlines secure in the knowledge you are not a Prisoner for Life!!