I have reliably heard that the bond has been placed on the agents by the company and these agents are trying to pass it on to reduce their exposure.
Obviously, they expect pilots to leave early or there wouldn't be a bond.
Pay is pretty good, new airplanes, international routes. What could it be?.... hmmmm.
Don't accept it, look for an honest agent.
Alternatively, tell the agents to reduce their $1000 per month cut for doing sweet 'F' all.
4 years at a $1000 per month is.... $48,000 , and more than twice the bond even if the pilot stays!
If they can't get pilots, they don't get paid and they will soon get the message.
Once you sign, you are stuck and having the intention to stay for 4 years doesn't mean that you will be able to. I have seen it get pretty bad in places like, just changing the conditions or, cancelling bases.
Like it or, leave and pay your bond.
Of course , the agents continue to get their money if you are happy or not.
A few years ago now but , a friend was presented with a fax, the night before his sim checkride , the agency demanded that he sign an agreement to give them US$2500 should he be offered a job but, not accept it.
Sign or no sim tomorrow!
Nothing was said during all of the processing , visa ,medical , air law,etc.