If you look after payroll or any aspect of employee management in the UAE, you’re likely to be familiar with the term ‘WPS’ or Wage Protection System. WPS is a critical component of the UAE’s labour law framework, designed to ensure that employees are paid their salaries accurately and on time.
It’s essential to understand the intricacies of WPS to avoid any legal or financial issues that can arise in the event that your company gets blocked, which means the government or a relevant authority has taken certain actions to restrict or prevent your company’s operations in the UAE.
Let’s see some details about WPS and how to unblock your company, should it get blocked someday.
What is WPS
The Wage Protection System (WPS) is a Ministry initiative in the UAE aimed at safeguarding the rights of employees by ensuring they receive their salaries on time and in full. It’s mandatory for all businesses in the UAE to implement WPS.
This system requires employers to pay wages through MOHRE-authorized financial institutions, which in turn distribute salaries to employees within the stipulated timeframe.
Why complying is crucial
Compliance with WPS is a legal obligation in the UAE. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to serious consequences, including fines, bans, or even you’re your company’s operations getting blocked.
In addition to the strict penalties that could be imposed for non-compliance, WPS compliance can also impact your company’s reputation. A company known for salary delays is likely to struggle in attracting top talent or retaining existing employees.
Moreover, ensuring that your employees receive their salaries on time also fosters trust and satisfaction among your workforce, which is crucial for employee retention and productivity.
Reasons for blocking your company
There could be a number of reasons why a company might get blocked in the UAE, such as regulatory violations, legal issues, or concerns about the company’s activities. Here are some of the common reasons:
- Late salary payments: Failure to pay salaries on time is a primary reason for company blockage. This includes delays, discrepancies, or non-payment of wages.
- Inaccurate data: Errors in employee data provided to the WPS system can lead to compliance issues.
- Insufficient funds: If your company’s bank account lacks sufficient funds to cover salary payments, this can trigger a blockage.
- Non-Compliance with Labour Laws: Violating other labour laws or UAE regulations can lead to WPS-related issues.
How to unblock your company
If your company is blocked due to WPS-related issues, here’s what you can do to unblock it:
1. Contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE): This is the first and most crucial step. Contact MOHRE on their portal or by emailing them on ask@mohre.gov.ae or by calling them on 600590000 to understand the specific reasons for the blockage and seek guidance on rectifying the issues.
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2. Address the issues: Once you identify the issues, take swift action to correct them. This might involve rectifying data inaccuracies, ensuring sufficient funds, and resolving any salary discrepancies.
3. Settle any dues: If your company owes any salaries or penalties, settle them immediately before you proceed with anything else. The MOHRE account will be unblocked automatically if salaries are paid before the last calendar day of the month.
4. Submit the required documents: Prepare and submit all necessary documents to MOHRE to demonstrate your company’s commitment to complying with WPS.
In complex cases, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance such as from a legal professional or HR consultant, in order to navigate the process effectively.
How to prevent your company from getting blocked
Here’s the recommended approach to preventing blockages from occurring in the first place, or in the future:
- Maintain accurate records: Ensure that all employee data is accurate and up to date.
- Manage your finances carefully: Regularly monitor your company’s financial health to avoid insufficient funds for salary payments.
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with changes in labour laws and regulations in the UAE.
- Partner with Payroll experts: Consider partnering with a payroll services company experienced with UAE labour laws and WPS compliance. They can help you streamline your payroll processes and reduce the risk of blockages.
To conclude, understanding and complying with the Wage Protection System is crucial for employers, business owners, and your HR team in the UAE. Failing to do so can result in serious consequences, including your company getting blocked. By staying informed, addressing issues promptly, and seeking professional assistance, you can ensure that your company remains in good standing with WPS, fostering trust and goodwill among your employees and stakeholders.
For more information related to WPS payroll, management of payroll cards, or your employees’ financial rights, feel free to reach out to us on info.ae@edenred.com
