Wage Protection System (WPS)
Also known as: WPS UAE, MOHRE Wage Protection, Wages Protection System, WPS salary
Quick Answer
The Wage Protection System (WPS) is the UAE's electronic salary-payment system, run by the Central Bank for MOHRE. Since 1 June 2026, every MOHRE-registered employer must pay wages through it no later than the 1st of each month, for the previous month (Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026).
What WPS is
The Wage Protection System is the electronic salary-payment system the Central Bank of the UAE implemented in 2009 for the Ministry of Labour, now MOHRE. Wage information flows from the employer to contracted agents that pay the employees; the Central Bank secures the employer's funds before the agents receive the wage information, and feeds payment data to the labour regulator so it can monitor whether wages are paid. A WPS salary is simply a salary paid through this route.
The salary due date since June 2026
Under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, in force since 1 June 2026, the 1st of each Gregorian month is the unified due date for the previous month's wages, and any payment after it counts as a delay. Every establishment registered with MOHRE must pay through WPS or another system MOHRE adopts, and submit proof of payment under MOHRE's rules. The resolution repealed Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022.
The 85% rule
An establishment is compliant if it transfers at least 85% of the total wages due by the due date, and a worker who receives at least 85% of their wage is not counted as unpaid when the difference comes from lawful deductions. The rule applies without prejudice to the worker's right to full wages.
What happens when wages are late
The resolution's annex sets the timetable: alerts from day 2 after the due date, suspension of new work permits on day 5, and, for a repeat violation within six months, an administrative fine under Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020 and reclassification into MOHRE's third category on day 11. On day 16, establishments with 25 or more workers in any sector — or one owner's establishments with 25 or more unpaid workers in total in construction, transport and storage, security, cleaning, recruitment agencies or domestic-worker recruitment offices — face automatic labour-dispute registration and work-permit suspension. On day 21, establishments with 50 or more workers, one owner's establishments with 50 or more unpaid workers in those sectors, or any establishment where the labour market's stability is at risk face an executive instrument for the wages (under 50 workers) or a collective labour dispute (50 or more), precautionary attachment and a travel ban on the person in charge; the Public Prosecution is notified where the establishment has more than 50 workers and the violation repeats within two consecutive months.
Who is excluded
Article 4 lists 11 cases, including workers with wage claims in court, absconding reports, detention or approved unpaid leave (with MOHRE notified where required), seafarers and foreign establishments' workers paid abroad (on request), mission permits of up to three months, citizen-owned fishing boats and public taxis, banks and financial institutions, and places of worship.
How ZETUP PRO helps
ZETUP PRO does not run payroll itself; for mainland companies on a monthly PRO retainer it coordinates WPS setup with the client's bank and resolves WPS holds at MOHRE before they become permit suspensions.
Official sources: MOHRE: Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026 Concerning the Wage Protection System · Central Bank of the UAE: UAE Wages Protection System (UAEWPS)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Wage Protection System (WPS)?
The UAE's electronic salary-payment system, run by the Central Bank for MOHRE since 2009. Since 1 June 2026, Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026 requires every MOHRE-registered establishment to pay wages through WPS (or another system MOHRE adopts) no later than the 1st of each month, for the previous month.
What does WPS mean in salary?
A WPS salary is a salary paid through the Wage Protection System: the employer pays through the system to a contracted agent, and the payment data lets MOHRE check that the worker was paid in full and on time.
When must salaries be paid under WPS?
No later than the 1st of each Gregorian month, for the previous month. Any payment after that date counts as a delay. An establishment is compliant if it transfers at least 85% of the total wages due by then.
What happens if a company pays salaries late?
Under Resolution 340/2026: MOHRE monitors from the due date, sends alerts from day 2 and suspends new work permits on day 5. A repeat violation within six months brings an administrative fine and reclassification into the third category on day 11. On day 16, establishments with 25 or more workers in any sector — or one owner's establishments with 25 or more unpaid workers in total in construction, transport and storage, security, cleaning, recruitment agencies or domestic-worker recruitment offices — face automatic labour-dispute registration and work-permit suspension. On day 21, establishments with 50 or more workers, one owner's establishments with 50 or more unpaid workers in those sectors, or any establishment where the labour market's stability is at risk face an executive instrument for the wages (under 50 workers) or a collective labour dispute (50 or more), precautionary attachment and a travel ban on the person in charge; the Public Prosecution is notified where the establishment has more than 50 workers and the violation repeats within two consecutive months.
Who is exempt from WPS?
Article 4 lists 11 cases, including workers with wage claims in court, absconding reports, detention or approved unpaid leave, seafarers and foreign establishments' workers paid abroad (on request), mission permits of up to three months, citizen-owned fishing boats and public taxis, banks and financial institutions, and places of worship.
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