Wage protection systems in the Gulf
Wage protection systems require employers to pay salaries electronically so that authorities can see late or missing pay.
- UAE: according to EY, Ministerial Resolution No. 0340 of 2026 requires wages to be paid by the first day of the following month through WPS from 1 June 2026.1
- Saudi Arabia: Khaleej Times reported that electronic salary payment for all domestic workers through approved channels became mandatory from 1 January 2026.2
- Qatar: the ILO says the Wage Protection System monitors pay for all private sector workers.3
- Oman: a MRRORS (formerly Migrant-Rights.org) guide says Article 87 of Royal Decree 53/2023 requires wages to be paid through the Wage Protection System.4
- Bahrain: PwC reported that LMRA phased in WPS between 1 May 2021 and 1 January 2022 by company size.5
Sources
- EY UAE introduces enhanced Wage Protection System, effective 1 June 2026
- Khaleej Times Saudi Arabia: mandatory e-salary for domestic workers from January 1, 2026
- International Labour Organization Overview of Qatar's labour reforms
- MRRORS (formerly Migrant-Rights.org, reviewed by Clyde and Co) Know Your Rights: Oman Labour Law
- PwC Middle East Bahrain Wage Protection System implementation update