Answer: Yes, in accordance with Article 13(12) Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regulation of Employment Relationships, the employer is required to bear the cost of returning the employee to the place of hire or to any other location mutually agreed upon by both parties. This obligation applies when the employment relationship ends at the initiative of the employer or by mutual agreement.
Exceptions where the employer is not required to pay for the return ticket:
• The employee joins a new employer;
• The employment contract is terminated due to the employee’s fault (e.g., dismissal for cause).
• The employee resided in the UAE on a dependent visa sponsored by their spouse, and their entry into the country was neither arranged nor financed by the employer.
Case law reference:
• Case No. 1 of 2025 / Dubai Court / Labor, JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) Show Judgement
• Case No. 2 of 2025 / Dubai Court / Labor, full jurisdiction Show Judgement