The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced an update to the United Arab Emirates' Wage Protection System (WPS). The new version is a more integrated digital process designed to simplify employer registration, strengthen data protection, and accelerate payroll processing.
Following the update in December 2025, WPS underwent significant changes. The system now goes beyond mere compliance assurance and focuses on creating a comprehensive experience, making adherence to system rules a seamless part of client interaction.
The foundation of this system is an integrated digital infrastructure based on secure Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This enables safe real-time data exchange between various parties, increasing accuracy and reliability while reducing payment processing time.
The system was launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Al Etihad Payments. The updated system marks a fundamental shift in how employers operate.
Under the new model, employers are no longer required to submit documents or visit financial institutions in person for system registration. The process is now completed digitally through entities directly linked to MoHRE systems, ensuring instant service delivery.
Al Etihad Payments, the national payment structure owned by the CBUAE, develops and manages the enhanced central platform for WPS. This platform provides a direct and immediate communication channel between MoHRE systems and participating financial institutions.
The platform's goal is to reduce administrative complexities in payroll calculation while improving the accuracy, traceability, and security of salary transfer data. For employees, the expected outcome is more reliable salary processing and greater transparency regarding payments.
The updated version of the system is gradually expanding its range of available services through strategic partnerships with seven new institutions: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), Mashreq Bank, Ajman Bank, Lari Exchange, and First Gulf Exchange Centre. This increases the total number of partners to 17.
The WPS system covers over 99 percent of private sector employees, with average monthly transfers amounting to 37 billion dirhams. This figure reflects the system's reliability and its contribution to enhancing labor market stability and transparency.
Dalal Alshehi, Deputy Assistant Minister of MoHRE for Labour Protection, noted that the modernized WPS has transformed from a mechanism for monitoring wage compliance into a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem supporting the UAE labor market.
The Ministry also emphasized that this initiative contributes to achieving the 'Zero Government Bureaucracy' goal in its operations and supports the 'We Are UAE 2031' vision, including broader financial inclusion and strengthening digital financial governance.