In its latest update on its official website, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) confirmed that the Wage Protection System (WPS) for domestic workers is the official electronic system adopted by the Ministry.

It enables employers to pay the wages of their domestic workers through banks, exchange houses, and financial institutions approved and authorised by the Central Bank of the UAE to provide wage payment services.

According to Article 15 of Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2022 concerning domestic workers, employers are required to pay the monthly wage in UAE dirhams within a period not exceeding 10 working days from the due date.

Key benefits of the WPS:

  • Ensures the employer’s right to prove wage payment.
  • Facilitates the wage transfer process from employer to domestic worker.
  • Guarantees timely wage disbursement.
  • Promotes a stable relationship between both parties.

Methods of wage payment under the WPS:

MOHRE has specified the available wage payment methods for domestic workers as follows:

  • Cash transfers through banks, exchange houses, and approved financial institutions authorized by the UAE Central Bank and contracted by the employer.
  • Electronic transfers via smart applications provided by banks, exchange houses, and approved financial institutions contracted by the employer.

Documents for registration:

  • Emirates ID of the employer.
  • Emirates ID of the domestic worker.
  • Registration with one of the WPS agents authorised by the Central Bank.

The Ministry emphasised its commitment to ensuring that all employers are aware of their obligation to register in the Wage Protection System and process domestic workers’ wages through the system. To that end, MOHRE sends regular notifications to employers as reminders.

Administrative penalties are enforced against employers who fail to comply with Ministerial Resolution No. (675) of 2022 and Executive Regulation No. (106) of 2022, both of which pertain to Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2022 concerning domestic workers.

Enforcement measures and compliance deadlines:

The Ministry may suspend the employer’s file if wages are not paid within two months of the due date. Employers are considered late in wage payment if the wages are not processed through the WPS within one month from the due date. Wages become due on the first day of the month following the one specified in the employment contract.

Professions covered by the Wage Protection System:

All domestic worker occupations listed under the Domestic Workers Law fall under the scope of the WPS. Therefore, registration and wage payment through the system are available to all employers.

However, as of April 1, the system is mandatory for the following five professions:

  • Private Trainer
  • Private Teacher
  • Home Caregiver
  • Private Representative
  • Private Agricultural Engineer

Optional professions include:

  • Housekeeper
  • Sailor
  • Nanny
  • Cook
  • Guard
  • Private Driver
  • Shepherd
  • Stableman
  • Camel Trainer
  • Falconer
  • Laborer
  • Maid
  • Farmer
  • Gardener

Exemptions from wage transfers through the system:

  • Domestic workers with a pending labor dispute who are no longer working for the employer.
  • Domestic workers with an active “absconding” report filed against them.
  • New domestic workers within the first 30 days of the employment contract.

Also read: UAE Ranked as a Top Country for Happiness, Safety, Entrepreneurship and Soft Power in 2025

Source Gulf News