Private sector employees in the UAE will be entitled to receive their salaries on the first day of every month starting June 1, under new wage protection regulations introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
The revised framework is aimed at reducing salary payment delays and strengthening employer compliance across the private sector.
Key changes include:
• Employers must pay wages for the previous month through the Wage Protection System (WPS) or another MOHRE-approved payment channel.
• Any salary transferred after the due date will be considered delayed.
• Salaries for May 2026, for example, must be paid by June 1.
• Authorities will begin electronically monitoring delayed payments from the second day after salaries become due.
• Companies that fail to pay wages within five days of the due date may face administrative penalties, including restrictions on work permits and other labour-related services.
• Penalties will increase for repeat violations and larger companies.
• Businesses employing 50 or more workers could face additional legal action if salary delays continue for extended periods.
MOHRE also clarified wage compliance requirements:
• Employers may still be considered compliant if at least 85 per cent of total wages are paid on time.
• Any remaining deductions must be legally justified and properly documented.
According to the ministry, the updated measures are intended to improve wage payment discipline, enhance labour market stability and promote greater transparency in employer obligations.
