Wages Protection System

WHAT IS WPS

Wages Protection System (WPS) is an electronic salary transfer system that allows institutions to pay wages via banks, bureaux de change, and financial institutions approved and authorized to provide the service. Developed by the UAE Central , the system allows the Ministry of Labor to create a database that records wage payments within the private sector, guaranteeing timely and complete payment of agreed-upon wages. The WPS covers all institutions registered with the Ministry across all sectors and industries and will benefit different categories of labor.

IMPACTED PARTIES

Workers: Every individual working within the private sector for agreed-upon wages and holding a labour card issued by the Ministry.

Employers: Anyone who owns a company or institution registered with the Ministry and employing one or more workers in return for agreed-upon wage.

Banks: Financial institutions where the employer maintains a bank account used to transfer wages through the WPS network, to the appointed agent who in turn distributes wages onward to the workforce.

Agent: Any bank, bureau de change or financial institution approved and authorized by the UAE Central Bank to offer payment of services via WPS. The Central Bank of the UAE issues a regularly updated list showing names of approved and authorized agents.

ELIGIBILITY

How to join the WPS network

1. The company needs to be registered with the Ministry and have a bank account with a bank operating in the UAE.
2. The company should enter into contract with any bank, bureau de change or financial institution, approved and authorized by the UAE Central Bank to provide the service. The two parties agree on any service fees and charges.
3. Workers’ wages will be transferred via WPS as per deadlines specified in the Ministerial Resolution No. 788 of 2009.