Is it a religious obligation to leave work abroad and return to one's home country to care for one's parents?

Filial piety has ranks, the highest of which is boundless, and it is achieved through spending, care, and attention. The Prophet, peace be upon him, considered it among the best deeds after prayer, and Haritha ibn al-Nu'man and Uways al-Qarani are excellent examples of this.

The first level of piety is to remain with one's parents and serve them, especially if one's travel would lead to their neglect. Therefore, it is forbidden for him to travel without their permission. However, if they have someone to attend to their affairs, their permission is not required.

We advise perfection in filial piety, by being closer to them, making them happy, and not depriving them of your companionship. Urwah ibn al-Zubayr interpreted the verse: (And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy) as: "Do not refuse anything they love." And filial piety is unmatched by anything, not even jihad in the way of Allah.

If you can return to your parents and stay in their country without significant harm, then be keen on filial piety. However, if their contentment is achieved by your remaining at your work, then keep your work, and be keen on visiting them and spending holidays with them.