The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has made it clear, all employers must use the Wage Protection System (WPS) to pay their domestic workers. This is now the official method to ensure workers get paid on time and safely.
What is the WPS?
The Wage Protection System is an electronic payment system that allows employers to pay salaries through banks, exchange houses, or approved financial apps. All these providers are authorised by the UAE Central Bank.
Why It’s Important
This system ensures that workers receive their wages punctually. Safeguard the employer by maintaining a record of payments. Maintain fairness and transparency between employers and workers.
- Protect the employer by keeping a record of payments.
- Keep things fair and transparent between employer and worker.
Payment Rules You Need to Know
- Employers must pay workers in UAE dirhams no later than 10 working days after the due date.
- Wages must be paid through WPS, or the employer may face penalties.
- Wages are considered late if not paid within one month of the due date.
Who Must Use WPS?
The system is mandatory (since April 1, 2023) for these five domestic worker jobs:
- Private Teacher
- Private Trainer
- Home Caregiver
- Private Representative
- Private Agricultural Engineer
It is optional (but encouraged) for other domestic worker roles like:
- Housekeepers
- Nannies
- Drivers
- Cooks
- Guards
- Gardeners
- Falconers
- Farmers, and more.
How to Register
You’ll need:
Emirates ID of both the employer and the domestic worker
Registration with one of the WPS service agents approved by the Central Bank
When WPS Is Not Needed
Some cases are exempt from using the WPS:
- The worker has a pending legal dispute and has stopped working.
- There’s an active absconding report against the worker.
- The worker is still within the first 30 days of starting the job.
Don’t Ignore This
MOHRE regularly reminds employers to follow the rules. If you don’t pay wages properly, your labour file could be suspended, making it difficult to hire new workers or renew visas.
Bottom Line
If you employ a domestic worker in the UAE, make sure you’re paying them through the official system. It’s safer, more transparent, and now a legal requirement in many cases.
(Source: GN)
