Can my employer send me back to my home country if I resign after one year?

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry!

Based on UAE Labour Law, if you have completed at least one year of employment and wish to resign, you are legally entitled to do so by serving the required notice period as per your contract (typically 30 to 90 days).

In such cases, your employer cannot compel you to return to your home country. However, if you choose not to remain in the UAE or transfer to another employer, your current employer is generally responsible for covering the cost of your repatriation.

If you do plan to stay, the responsibility for your return shifts, and you will be granted a visa grace period (usually 30 to 180 days) during which you may seek new opportunities.

For detailed advice tailored to your employment contract, visa type, and future plans, I recommend scheduling a consultation. We can then review your documentation and provide step-by-step guidance to ensure full compliance with UAE legal requirements.

Best regards,

No, your employer cannot force you to return to your home country if you resign after completing your legal notice period, especially after working more than one year.

If you resign after one year, your employer generally does not have the automatic right to send you back to your home country, especially if your visa and labor contract are still valid.

However, in many cases, when an employee resigns, the employer may initiate visa cancellation, which effectively requires you to leave the UAE unless you find a new sponsor or change your visa status.

It’s important to check your contract terms and UAE labor law, and you can seek legal advice to understand your rights regarding visa cancellation and repatriation after resignation.

Your employer cannot force you to return to your home country if you resign after one year, unless it was specifically agreed upon in your employment contract.

We specialize in labor law matters, and you can contact us via WhatsApp for precise legal advice and assistance in your case.

Dear questioner,

Your employer generally does not have the right to force you to return to your home country simply because you resigned, especially after completing one year of service.

Your decision to leave the UAE is your own. The employer's primary responsibility upon your resignation and completion of the notice period is to cancel your work permit and residency visa.

This process makes you legally able to either seek new employment in the UAE (if eligible for a new visa) or leave the country.

Thank you for contacting us via Legal Advice Middle East!

Your situation relates to post-resignation repatriation rights and employer obligations under UAE labor practice.

We previously assisted an employee in a nearly identical case who was recruited directly from abroad.

When he resigned after completing one year, the employer attempted to withhold the return ticket, arguing that it was only mandatory upon termination.

The court ultimately confirmed the worker’s right to repatriation under specific hiring conditions.

If you were hired from your home country under an official overseas contract or offer letter that included relocation, the employer is generally obligated to cover your repatriation cost—even upon resignation—unless your contract states otherwise.

However, if the contract does not mention it, and you resigned voluntarily, the employer may not be legally required to provide a return ticket.

Peace be upon you,

Thank you for reaching out!

Regarding your question about the employer’s right to return an employee to their home country after resignation, this depends on the terms of the employment contract and the local labor laws.

Generally, the employer cannot force the employee to return unless there are explicit clauses in the contract or laws related to work permits and residency.

We offer specialized legal consultations in labor and immigration law, helping you understand your rights and obligations, and assisting with any legal procedures to fully protect your rights.

We are happy to receive your inquiries and assist you in drafting clear employment contracts or defending your legal rights.

Thank you for reaching out with your question regarding your employment situation!

In the UAE, the rights and obligations between employer and employee, including matters related to resignation and repatriation, depend heavily on the terms of your employment contract and the applicable UAE Labor Law.

If you were hired directly from your home country and have completed one year of service before resigning, generally, the employer does not have an automatic right to forcibly send you back to your home country after your resignation. However, there are some important considerations:

- Your residency visa and work permit are typically sponsored by your employer. Once you resign, your employer may initiate the cancellation of your visa and work permit, which means you would need to leave the country within the period allowed by the authorities unless you secure another sponsor or change your visa status.

- Your employment contract and any specific agreements may contain clauses relating to notice periods, end-of-service benefits, and repatriation. It is crucial to review these terms carefully.

If you face any undue pressure or if the employer’s actions seem unfair or unlawful, there are legal protections under UAE Labor Law to safeguard your rights.

Because employment and immigration matters can be complex and sometimes sensitive, I recommend that you allow me to review your employment contract and the specific circumstances of your case.

This will help me provide you with tailored legal advice and assist you in protecting your rights, including ensuring a smooth transition if you decide to resign.

Please feel free to reach out to me directly via WhatsApp or phone at [-----------], and we can discuss your case in detail and plan the best course of action for you.

Looking forward to assisting you!

Dear Client,

Thank you for your question!

If you resign after one year, your employer is generally not required to arrange or pay for your return ticket to your home country unless your employment contract specifically states otherwise.

Employers are usually responsible for return tickets only if they terminate your contract, not when you resign voluntarily.

You have the option to arrange your return or seek new employment to transfer your sponsorship in the UAE. Please review your contract for any special terms, and let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards,