UAE unveils upgraded Wage Protection System with real-time digital integration

The update expands partnerships with financial institutions and accelerates digital transformation to support the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme.

The WPS currently covers more than 99 per cent of private-sector workers, with total monthly salary transfers exceeding AED35bn ($9.53bn).

UAE Wage Protection System

The latest upgrade aims to streamline salary payments, reduce disputes and reinforce confidence in the national economy by ensuring workers receive wages accurately and on time.

MoHRE launched the updated system in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE and Al Etihad Payments, along with accredited financial institutions and digital partners including:

• e& Group
• Botim
• Al Ansari Exchange
• Lulu Exchange
• GCC Exchange
• Al Maryah Community Bank

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to enhance ease of doing business, strengthen governance and improve competitiveness in the labour market.

According to the Ministry, the new version enables employers to manage salary payments more easily and quickly through direct, real-time data integration between MoHRE systems and financial institutions via the Central Bank.

The process is executed through these institutions’ digital platforms, offering customers smart digital solutions, innovative applications and proactive services.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation strategy

MoHRE noted that the update accelerates registration and verification procedures, strengthens communication with companies and relevant entities, and enhances data integration.

It also establishes a secure and reliable digital environment designed to improve performance efficiency.

The Ministry said the upgrade represents a “notable leap in wage management,” enabling employers to complete all procedures digitally, access data directly from MoHRE systems, track salary movements accurately and ensure workers receive wages on time.

This supports a sustainable work environment and reinforces trust in the UAE’s labour market.

The enhanced WPS also strengthens labour market stability by supporting supervisory bodies in enforcing the provisions of the Federal Decree-Law regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships and related decisions.

The updated digital financial systems improve agility, governance and market efficiency.

Additionally, the system provides an accurate database to support planning and strategic decision-making.

Transparent working

It protects the rights of all parties through a smart, automated oversight framework and enhances integration between government, banking and financial institutions.

This approach improves transaction governance and helps reduce labour disputes arising from delayed or unpaid wages, in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.

MoHRE said the upgraded platform reflects the UAE’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, fair and attractive work environment.

It aligns with international best practice by expanding the pool of participating financial institutions, increasing processing efficiency and integrating seamlessly with digital financial platforms to help establishments manage operations more effectively.

UAE labour legislation requires private-sector establishments to pay workers monthly, in the amount and at the time stipulated in employment contracts, through the WPS — an electronic mechanism that facilitates wage transfers via approved banks, financial institutions and exchange houses.