Wage Protection System (WPS)
The Wage Protection System is how establishments registered with MOHRE pay their employees' wages on the due date, through an approved agent. MOHRE monitors the payments. When wages are late, a fixed timeline of reminders and measures follows.
Legal basis
Article 22(2) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 says the employer pays salaries or wages to its workers on their due dates, in accordance with the regulations approved in the Ministry. MOHRE, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Art. 22(2)
Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022 on the Wages Protection System relies on Article 16 of the Executive Regulations of the Decree-Law. Its Article 2 was amended by Ministerial Decision No. 0524 of 2025. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022
Who pays through WPS
All establishments registered with MOHRE pay their employees' wages on the due date, through WPS or another Ministry-approved system. The employer is the party that pays. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, Arts. 1 and 5
The resolution exempts some establishments: banks, houses of worship, nationals' fishing boats and public taxis. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, Art. 6
An establishment is compliant if more than 80% of the total wages of its eligible employees are transferred. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, Art. 3
Deadlines
A wage is due on the first day of the month after the registered payday. An employer that does not pay within 15 days of the due date is considered late, unless the contract sets a shorter period. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, Art. 1(2)
If it is missed
Reminders are sent on day 3 and day 10. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, Art. 2 as amended
By day 17, the issuing of new work permits for the establishment is suspended, with notice. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, Art. 2 as amended
For establishments with more than 50 employees, inspections are listed as a step in this escalation. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, Art. 2 as amended
On day 45, the Public Prosecutor is notified and the establishment's details are sent to federal and local authorities. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, Art. 2 as amended
A repeat within six months brings an administrative fine and a downgrade to the Third Category. MOHRE, Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, Art. 2 as amended
Where to do it
WPS payments go through agents: banks, exchange houses and approved financial institutions. MOHRE, Wages Protection System
The upgraded WPS announced in December 2025 was developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE and Al Etihad Payments. MOHRE news, 10 December 2025
Questions about Wage Protection System (WPS)
What is WPS in UAE payroll?
The Wage Protection System. Establishments registered with MOHRE pay their employees' wages on the due date through it, using an approved agent, and MOHRE monitors the payments.
Who pays wages through WPS?
The employer. All establishments registered with MOHRE pay wages on the due date, through WPS or another Ministry-approved system.
When is a WPS salary late?
When it is not paid within 15 days of the due date, unless the contract sets a shorter period. A wage is due on the first day of the month after the registered payday.
What happens when wages are late?
Reminders go out on day 3 and day 10. By day 17 new work permits are suspended. For establishments with more than 50 employees, inspections are listed as a step in this escalation. On day 45 the Public Prosecutor is notified. A repeat within six months brings an administrative fine and a downgrade to the Third Category.
Who can act as a WPS agent?
Banks, exchange houses and approved financial institutions.
A plain guide to the rules, not legal or tax advice. Checked 17 October 2026.
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