The Wage Protection System refers to an electronic system in the employment structure of the UAE that aims at protecting the wages of the employees through timely and accurate payment of wages to the employees of the involved organizations. In this blog, I’ll explain how you can check the WPS status of a company in the UAE, and know more about its legal compliance to UAE labor laws and employee well-being.
What is the WPS (Wage Protection System)?
The WPS is an electronic salary transfer system created by the UAE Central Bank in consultation with the MOHRE. It was introduced so that employees would be paid their wages as and when due with regard to their contract of employment. Here’s what you should know:
- Purpose of WPS: Prevents change of employee’s wages and unfair treatment and allows companies to process their salary with strict measures.
- Implementation: Applicable to all companies registered with MOHRE, it compels them to remit their employees’ wages using licensed banks and other financial institutions.
- Legal Compliance: Companies not compliant with WPS can face fines, operational restrictions, and legal action.
Why Check the WPS Status of a Company?
It is always helpful to know whether a company is classified as having a WPS status, and here is why: For instance:
- Job Seekers: To check whether the company complies with the legal provisions on salary payment.
- Employees: To make sure that you are working for an employer that is connected with WPS and you are paid the wages that are entitled to you.
- Business Partners and Investors: To evaluate the reliability and conformity of a prospective partner in the UAE.
Knowing how to check this information gives you an edge in making informed decisions.
Method 1: Checking WPS Status Through the MOHRE Website
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) can help you check the status of a company’s WPS online. Below is a step-by-step process on how to use this particular method
Step 1: Visit the MOHRE Website
- Open Your Web Browser: Start by launching a reliable web browser on your device.
- Go to MOHRE’s Official Website: Navigate to the official website of MOHRE (https://inquiry.mohre.gov.ae/).
Step 2: Select “Inquiry Services”
- Locate “Inquiry Services”: On this greatly designed homepage of MOHRE, scroll down to a menu labeled “Inquiry Services.” This section contains a number of links to check company information and labor contracts.
- Click on “Inquiry Services”: Selecting this will expand a list of options related to company inquiries.
Step 3: Choose “Company Information”
- Select “Company Information”: From the expanded list, look for an option labeled “Company Information.” This is where you’ll find details about the company’s status in the WPS.
- Click to Continue: Click on the “Company Information” link to proceed to the details section.
Step 4: Enter Company Details
- Provide Company Registration Number: You’ll be prompted to enter the company’s registration number. Ensure accuracy, as incorrect details can lead to invalid results.
- Input Other Details (If Required): Some cases may require additional information, such as the company name or type.
Step 5: Submit the Request
- Click “Submit”: After entering the required details, click the “Submit” button to initiate the inquiry.
- Wait for the System to Process: The system will retrieve the relevant company data from its database.
Step 6: View the Results
- Check for WPS Compliance Information: When the result shows, you will be able to see the WPS registration and other information on the company’s compliance.
- Save or Print (If Necessary): You may want to save a screenshot or print the information for future reference.
Method 2: Checking WPS Status Through Your Bank
Your bank can also confirm the WPS status of a company if you are an employee of the said company or if you frequently transact with them. This option will especially come in handy in the instance that you do not have access to the MOHRE website or you prefer a one-on-one service.
Step 1: Contact Your Bank
- Call Customer Service or Visit a Branch: The first step is to call the customer service of your bank or go directly to the bank and talk to an officer.
- Request to Speak to a Representative: Make sure you get to speak with bank personnel dealing with corporate or payroll issues.
Step 2: Provide Company Details
- Share Company Name or Registration Number: Tell the representative the name of the company and the registration number for the verification process.
- Verify Your Identity: If you’re checking on behalf of a company or as an employee, you may need to provide personal identification details for verification.
Step 3: Verify WPS Status
- Request WPS Compliance Information: Ask the bank representative to confirm whether the company is compliant with WPS regulations.
- Receive Confirmation: The bank will check its internal systems and can provide a confirmation of the company’s WPS compliance status.
Benefits of Using WPS in the UAE
For Employees
- Timely Salary Payments: WPS ensures employees are paid on time, fostering financial security.
- Transparency: Employees have clear records of salary payments, reducing wage-related disputes.
For Employers
- Legal Compliance: Following WPS regulations keeps companies compliant with UAE laws, avoiding fines and sanctions.
- Enhanced Reputation: WPS compliance reflects positively on a company’s reputation, attracting talent and partners.
For the Government
- Improved Wage Regulations: WPS helps the government regulate wages and prevents issues like salary disputes.
- Better Data Collection: It provides MOHRE with data to analyze wage patterns and address potential areas for improvement.
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Final Words
In this guide, I’ve covered two reliable methods for checking the WPS status of a company in the UAE: using the MOHRE website and verifying through a bank. Whether you’re an employee, job seeker, or business partner, knowing how to check WPS status empowers you to make better-informed decisions regarding employment and partnerships. Always remember, that WPS is a vital part of the UAE’s efforts to protect employee rights and maintain fair labor practices.
By following these steps, you can quickly verify any company’s WPS compliance status and be confident in your dealings with them.