The UAE has introduced an important update to its labour regulations, expanding the Wage Protection System (WPS) to include more domestic worker roles. Starting April 1, 2025, employers hiring workers in specific professions must now pay wages through the official WPS platform. This move aims to ensure timely, secure, and documented salary payments and improve working conditions for domestic staff.
What Is the Wage Protection System?
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) developed the Wage Protection System as an electronic platform. It allows employers to transfer salaries to workers through approved banks and financial institutions under the supervision of the UAE Central Bank.
The goal of WPS is to protect workers by ensuring regular wage payments and to help employers maintain a clear record of transactions, avoiding disputes and penalties.
Why This Update is important?
In the past, many domestic workers in the UAE were paid in cash, often without proper documentation. This made it difficult to resolve wage-related issues. By expanding the WPS, the government is improving transparency and strengthening the rights of workers, while also encouraging better employer practices.
Wage Protection System: Who Must Now Register Under WPS?
Starting April 1, 2025, authorities will register the following domestic worker roles under the Wage Protection System.
- Private Trainer
- Private Teacher
- Home Caregiver
- Private Representative
- Private Agricultural Engineer
Employers must now legally process salaries through the WPS when hiring for these roles.
Wage Protection System – Other Roles Eligible for Optional Registration
Although not mandatory, MOHRE strongly encourages the use of WPS for a broader range of domestic jobs. These include:
- Housekeepers
- Nannies
- Cooks
- Guards
- Private Drivers
- Gardeners
- Maids
- Sailors
- Falconers
- Farmers
- Shepherds
- Stablemen
- Camel Trainers
- Laborers
Opting into the system helps ensure both compliance and peace of mind.
How to Register and Use the WPS
Employers who wish to register domestic workers under the WPS must provide the following:
- Emirates ID of the employer
- Emirates ID of the domestic worker
- Registration with a WPS agent approved by the UAE Central Bank
Once registered, employers can choose one of the following payment methods:
- Cash transfers via approved banks or exchange houses
- Electronic transfers using banking apps or financial platforms
Employers must pay all salaries in UAE dirhams within 10 working days of the agreed due date.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Employers who fail to comply with the new WPS rules may face administrative action:
- If wages are not paid within one month, the employer will be considered late.
- If wages are delayed by two months, MOHRE may suspend the employer’s file, which can prevent them from hiring new workers or renewing existing contracts.
The Ministry has made it clear that compliance is no longer optional for specific roles, and repeated violations will not be tolerated.
Exemptions from the Rule
There are some situations where employers are temporarily exempt from processing wages through WPS. These include:
- Workers who have filed a labour dispute and are no longer employed by the same employer
- Workers with an absconding report filed against them
- New hires who are still within the first 30 days of their employment contract
Once these conditions change, WPS compliance becomes necessary.
Benefits of WPS for Employers and Workers
Implementing WPS offers several clear advantages:
- Guarantees on-time salary payment
- Reduces risk of legal issues or complaints
- Improves employer-employee trust
- Provides official records for both parties
By following the WPS rules, employers can ensure they are acting in line with UAE labour laws while safeguarding the rights of their domestic staff.
This update is part of a wider effort by the UAE to improve working conditions and increase accountability in the domestic employment sector. With more roles now under the mandatory umbrella of the Wage Protection System, employers must stay up to date and meet their legal obligations.
MOHRE continues to send reminders and updates to registered employers, ensuring no one is left uninformed. Employers are encouraged to act quickly, complete registrations, and process wages properly to avoid delays and potential penalties.
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