WPS Compliance Checker UAE
Check your Wage Protection System compliance status and identify gaps before MOHRE inspection
Company Details
Number of employees whose salaries are transferred through WPS-approved banks/exchange houses
Date when salaries were last disbursed to employees
Compliance Setup
Compliance Scorecard
Enter your company details to see your WPS compliance score
Understanding WPS Compliance in UAE
The Wage Protection System (WPS) is an electronic salary transfer system introduced by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to ensure employers pay workers on time and in full. All private sector companies operating in the UAE are required to pay employee salaries through WPS-approved banks and exchange houses. The system monitors salary payments and flags delays or discrepancies, allowing MOHRE to take corrective action against non-compliant employers.
Under WPS, employers must submit a Salary Information File (SIF) to their bank or exchange house each pay cycle. This file contains details of each employee's salary, allowances, and deductions. The WPS agent then processes the payments and reports compliance data to MOHRE. Companies that fail to comply face penalties including fines, work permit suspension, and company classification downgrade.
WPS Non-Compliance Penalties
| Violation | Penalty | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Salary delay (15-30 days) | Warning issued | Company flagged in MOHRE system |
| Salary delay (30-60 days) | AED 6,000/worker/month | Work permit applications suspended |
| Salary delay (60+ days) | AED 6,000+/worker/month | Work permits frozen, legal action possible |
| No WPS registration | Administrative fines | Company classification downgrade, inability to hire new staff |
| Partial WPS coverage | AED 6,000/uncovered worker | Must cover 100% of employees through WPS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't comply with WPS?
Non-compliance with WPS can result in significant penalties including fines of AED 6,000 per uncovered worker per month, suspension of new work permit applications, freezing of existing work permits, company classification downgrade in the MOHRE system, and potential legal action. In severe cases, the company may be referred for criminal prosecution. MOHRE actively monitors WPS data and takes automated enforcement actions when salary payments are delayed beyond prescribed thresholds.
Do free zone companies need WPS?
Yes, most UAE free zone companies are required to comply with WPS. While MOHRE directly regulates mainland companies, many free zone authorities (such as JAFZA, DMCC, and SAIF Zone) have adopted WPS requirements for their licensees. Some free zones like DIFC and ADGM may have their own wage protection regulations that differ slightly from the MOHRE WPS framework. It is essential to check with your specific free zone authority for their exact WPS requirements and approved payment channels.
How often should I check WPS compliance?
You should verify WPS compliance every pay cycle (typically monthly). Before each payroll run, confirm that all employees are registered in the WPS, your SIF file is correctly formatted and includes all active employees, and payments are processed within the mandated timeframe. Additionally, conduct a thorough compliance audit whenever you onboard new employees, change banks or exchange houses, undergo company restructuring, or receive any communication from MOHRE. Regular checks help you maintain a good company classification and avoid unexpected penalties during MOHRE inspections.
Automate WPS Compliance for Your Organization
Our UAE Payroll system automatically generates WPS-compliant SIF files, tracks payment timeliness, ensures 100% employee coverage, and keeps you audit-ready for MOHRE inspections at all times.