The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), working with the Central Bank of the UAE and Al Etihad Payments, has rolled out a fully digital registration process for the Wage Protection System (WPS), the mechanism that guarantees private-sector employees are paid on time.
Previously, employers had to submit paperwork and visit banks or finance companies in person to register. Under the new setup, secure APIs link employers directly to participating financial institutions, letting registration happen instantly and improving the accuracy of data exchanged between employers, banks and the ministry.
The overhaul, rolled out gradually since December 2025, has brought the number of banking partners in the system to 17, with seven institutions added in the latest expansion. WPS now covers more than 99 percent of private-sector workers in the UAE, with average monthly salary transfers through the system reaching Dh37 billion.
Officials describe the system as having evolved from a compliance tool into what they call a "comprehensive digital financial ecosystem," designed to cut processing times and reduce friction for both employers and banks. The WPS has been central to UAE labour law enforcement for years, flagging employers who fail to pay wages on schedule and triggering penalties for repeat violations.
With the paperwork removed and more banks on board, authorities expect smaller and mid-sized businesses to find it easier to register, while workers benefit from faster, more reliable access to their pay. MoHRE said it will continue expanding the list of partner banks in the coming months.