On October 28, 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced partnerships with seven additional financial institutions for its upgraded Wage Protection System (WPS).
The system is being rolled out progressively through partnerships with seven additional institutions: First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq Bank, Ajman Bank, Lari Exchange and First Gulf Exchange Centre.
This brings the total number of partners to 17, including Al Ansari Exchange, Lulu Exchange, GCC Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, Wio Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank, Habib Bank AG Zurich, e& Group and Botim, extending access to digital wage payment services.
All wage payments must be made via WPS, and employers must submit proof of payment to the Ministry. The WPS covers more than 99% of private-sector workers.
The upgraded WPS enables employers to manage salary payments digitally, eliminating paperwork and the need to visit financial institutions for registration while providing instant access to services.
On May 12, 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) published Ministerial Resolution No. 0340 of 2026, which updates the rules for the Wage Protection System (WPS) for private sector employees. The new rules, which aim to strengthen compliance and transparency among private sector employers, take effect on June 1, 2026.
Under the new rules, employee salaries are due on the first day of each month, while companies are granted a regulatory grace period of up to 10 days before administrative penalties are applied. Previously, wages could be paid up until the fifteenth day of the month.
Employers will be considered compliant if at least 85% of wages are paid on time (previously 80%).
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