Wage Protection System
What the WPS is
WPS — the electronic Wage Protection System of the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Private companies registered with the ministry must pay wages through it: the money goes to the worker’s account or card via approved banks, finance companies and exchange houses.
The main point: the ministry sees every payment. Who was paid, how much and when — it all goes into the system. According to MOHRE, the WPS covers more than 99% of private sector workers.
From 1 June 2026
Salary on the first of the month
Under the new resolution, last month’s salary must be paid by the first day of the following month. Anything later already counts as a delay. Employers used to have 15 days of leeway — that is gone.
A company is treated as having met its obligation if by the deadline it has transferred at least 85% of the total wages. The difference is allowed only through lawful deductions.
If the employer is late
What happens to the employer day by day
Sanctions kick in automatically and grow with every day of delay. Move the slider to see what has already happened to the company.
Day of delay1
Drag the slider to the right to see what comes next
- from day 1Electronic monitoring
The system immediately sees that the salary has not arrived.
- from day 2Notices and warnings
The employer receives official warnings.
- from day 5No new work permits
The company cannot hire new staff.
- from day 11Fines and a lower classification
Administrative fines, and the company is moved to a worse category.
- from day 16A labour dispute
A labour dispute is registered; for companies with 25 or more workers, permits are suspended.
- from day 21Asset freeze, travel ban, prosecution
A precautionary attachment of assets, a travel ban for the responsible officers and referral to the public prosecutor.
Why you can rely on this
No payment is hidden in an envelope: every one goes through the system and is visible to the ministry.
Without new work permits a company cannot grow — delaying wages does not pay.
With a long delay, the travel ban applies to the company’s responsible officers, not only to the firm.
A complaint to the ministry is free, and a wage dispute is handled by the state.
But it becomes very expensive for the employer, and you get an official, free way to recover your money. This works when you are employed officially — with a contract and a work visa.
Step by step
The salary has not arrived — what to do
- 1Check the date and the amount
The first of the month has passed and nothing has reached your card? Compare the amount with your contract and payslip.
- 2Ask the employer in writing
Write to HR or your line manager. If you were hired through WID.AGENCY, tell your manager straight away.
- 3File a complaint with MOHRE
Through the MOHRE app, the ministry website, WhatsApp or by calling 600 590000. It is free, and wage complaints are treated confidentially.
- 4Then it is up to the ministry
MOHRE handles the labour dispute. If no settlement is reached, the case moves on in the manner set by law.
Phone and WhatsApp: 600 590000 · the MOHRE app on the App Store and Google Play
Who the rule covers and who it does not
Covered
- Private companies registered with MOHRE
- Workers with an employment contract and a work visa
Not counted, provided this is documented and reported to the ministry
- Workers who, with permission, are paid outside the UAE
- Those with an ongoing court dispute over wages
- Those reported for absconding
- Those whose liberty is restricted by court order
- Employees on unpaid leave
Free zones have their own hiring rules — check the terms with the employer.
We find jobs with a proper employment contract and a work visa — exactly the kind of work the WPS protects. The salary and terms are fixed before you travel, and if something goes wrong we stay in touch and help sort it out.