Table of Contents
Article 40 of Saudi Labor Law covers the right of expatriate employees to get an air ticket with annual leave, vacation, final exit, resignation, or termination. We have covered this topic in detail.
Air Ticket for the first arrival
When an expatriate employee enters Saudi Arabia for the first time on a work visa, the cost of his visa, air ticket, and all other expenses are paid by his employer as per Article 40 (1) of Saudi Labor Law.
Air Ticket with the annual leave
The right of the air ticket with annual leave is determined by the contract signed by the employee with the employer as Saudi Labor Law is silent about it. Generally,
- Saudi employees are not entitled to air tickets with annual leave.
- Expatriate employees with the family status get one air ticket to their home country every year for the whole family.
- Expatriate employees with white-collar jobs get one air ticket to their home country every year.
- Expatriate employees with blue-collar jobs get one air ticket to their home country every 2 years.
Air Ticket in case of final exit
In case an employee leaves for a final exit, the employer is responsible to pay for the one-way air ticket of the employee to the home country as per Article 40 (1) of Saudi Labor Law.
Air Ticket in case of Resignation
However, if an employee resigns before completing his contract and requests for a final exit, the employer is not responsible to pay for an air ticket as per Article 40 (2) of Saudi Labor Law.
However, the employer is not allowed to deduct for visa charges, iqama renewal fees, or the cost of insurance from the salary of the departing employee.
Air Ticket in Probation period
If an employee resigns during the probation period or the employer finds him unsuitable for the work, the employee is responsible to pay for the air ticket himself as per Article 40 (2).
Air Ticket in case of transfer of sponsorship
After the resignation or termination, if an employee asks for the transfer of sponsorship instead of final exit, the employer is not responsible to pay for the air ticket.
Keep in mind that the new employer will bear the cost of transfer of sponsorship as per Article 40 (3) of Saudi Labor Law.
Air Ticket in case of Death
In case of the death of an expatriate employee, the employer is responsible to pay the cost of repatriating the body to the home country unless the body is buried in Saudi Arabia as per Article 40 (4) of Saudi Labor Law.
Air Ticket for Family Members
Air Tickets for family members and dependents are not covered by Saudi Labor Law, it is covered in the contract with the employer.
If the employment contract explicitly awards you a family status and contains a clause to pay for air tickets of family members, you are entitled to it.
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