WPS Payroll UAE Guide 2026 — Everything Employers Must Know

What is the UAE Wage Protection System (WPS)?

The Wage Protection System (WPS) is a government-mandated electronic salary transfer system introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). It ensures employees receive their salaries on time via registered financial institutions.

Who Must Use WPS?

All private sector employers registered with MOHRE must pay salaries through WPS. This covers mainland companies, free zones that opted in, and domestic workers registered with MOHRE.

WPS Deadlines

• 10th of each month — Salaries must reach employee accounts
• 15th of each month — For domestic workers
• Companies with less than 100 employees have until the 15th

WPS Non-Compliance Penalties

MOHRE takes WPS violations seriously. Penalties include:

• New work permit ban — Cannot hire new staff until compliant
• AED 5,000 fine per delayed salary payment per employee
• Business licence suspension for repeat violations
• Criminal charges in severe cases

How to Generate the SIF File

The Salary Information File (SIF) is a standardised CSV format required by WPS. Each row must include:

• Employee ID (Labour card number)
• Employee name (as on passport)
• Bank/exchange routing code (IBAN)
• Salary amount in AED
• Payment date

The SIF is uploaded to your agent bank (Emirates NBD, FAB, Mashreq, or an approved exchange like Al Ansari).

WPS with ETX

ETX generates the SIF file automatically from your employee records each month. You review it, approve it, and ETX guides you through submission to your bank. It also maintains the full payroll register required by UAE labour law and records all salary payments in your accounts automatically.