New UAE Salary Rule: WPS Now Mandatory for Additional Worker Categories
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has officially expanded the implementation of the Wage Protection System (WPS) to cover more domestic worker categories, in a move to enhance transparency and ensure timely wage disbursement.
Effective April 1, registration in the WPS is now mandatory for five new professions: Private Trainer, Private Teacher, Home Caregiver, Private Representative, and Private Agricultural Engineer. While registration remains optional for other roles such as housekeepers, nannies, drivers, and cooks, employers are encouraged to comply to foster trust and ensure payment protection.
Under Article 15 of Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2022, employers are legally required to pay workers’ wages in UAE dirhams no later than 10 working days after the due date. Failure to comply may result in administrative penalties, including the suspension of the employer’s file if wages are unpaid within two months from the due date.
Wage transfers must be conducted through banks, exchange houses, or financial institutions authorized by the UAE Central Bank. Payments can be made in cash or via electronic transfer through smart applications. Employers must also register with WPS agents and submit Emirates ID documents for both parties.
The WPS offers multiple benefits:
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Ensures proof of wage payment
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Simplifies the wage transfer process
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Promotes employer-worker trust
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Guarantees timely salary deposits
MOHRE has reaffirmed its commitment to raising awareness among employers and actively sends reminders to encourage compliance. Workers involved in active labor disputes, those reported as absconding, or newly hired domestic workers within the first 30 days of employment are exempt from the wage transfer requirement.
With this initiative, the UAE continues its push toward a more accountable and equitable labor market for all workers across sectors.
