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Wage Protection System (WPS): How UAE private-sector salaries are paid and checked
How UAE private-sector salaries are paid and checked
What is Wage Protection System (WPS)?
Who uses it
All establishments registered with MoHRE and their workers, apart from listed exemptions such as banks, houses of worship, and workers whose wage complaint is already in court.
What you can do with Wage Protection System (WPS)
- Salaries are transferred through banks, exchange houses or other financial institutions authorised by the Central Bank, in UAE dirhams or another agreed currency.
- Salary for the previous month is due on the 1st day of each Gregorian month, and employers must transfer at least 85% of total wages due on time.
- From day 2 after the due date, late employers get alerts. From day 5 new work permits are suspended, and from day 11 an administrative fine applies.
- From day 16, labour disputes are registered automatically for affected workers. From day 21, MoHRE can issue payment orders or start collective dispute procedures, and can seek travel bans or referral to prosecution for repeat cases.
- Companies that do not comply with WPS can be refused new work permits or renewals.
Step by step
Know your payday
Your salary for the previous month is due on the 1st of each Gregorian month and should arrive in your bank account or exchange-house salary account.
Check what you received
Compare the amount with your MoHRE contract. Deductions are allowed only in cases set by law, and at least 85% of wages due must be paid on time.
Get free advice
If your salary is late or short, call the toll-free Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084 for guidance.
File a salary complaint
Use MoHRE's online "My Salary Complaint" service on the website or app. MoHRE first tries to settle the case, and from day 16 of non-payment a dispute is registered automatically for affected workers.
Keep working rules in mind
Do not work for another employer without a temporary work permit while your dispute is open, and keep your contract, payslips and bank statements as evidence.
Sources:u.aemohre.gov.aeu.aeu.aegulfnews.com
Frequently asked questions
When is salary considered late in the UAE?
Salary is due on the 1st of each Gregorian month. MoHRE starts alerting the employer from day 2, suspends new work permits from day 5, fines it from day 11 and registers disputes for workers automatically from day 16.
How do I complain about unpaid salary in the UAE?
Register a salary complaint through MoHRE's online "My Salary Complaint" service, on its website or app, or call 80084 for advice first. Claims up to AED 50,000 can be decided by MoHRE, and labour claims can be filed up to 2 years after the job ends.
Does my employer have to pay me through WPS?
Yes, if your employer is registered with MoHRE. All such establishments must pay wages on the due date through WPS, unless the worker or employer falls under a listed exemption.
Who is exempt from WPS?
Exempt workers include those whose wage complaint is in court, those reported for work abandonment, those on unpaid leave registered with MoHRE and those on mission permits of 3 months or less. Exempt employers include banks and financial institutions, houses of worship, and Emirati owners of fishing boats or public taxis.
Last reviewed: 17 Oct 2026. General information based on the official sources cited - not legal advice. Check with the relevant authority before acting.
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