The United Arab Emirates has placed specific labor laws to ensure fair remuneration and good working conditions for working people within the country. These laws are implemented to protect both employees as well as employers. Although the government hasn’t fixed a minimum wage in UAE for workers, there are certain rules and regulations pertaining to how wages are determined across different industries. Thus, to ensure fair treatment, both employees and employers need to understand these rules.
This year, the government has made some reforms to these laws to better protect workers employed in certain sectors. In this guide, we will walk you through the new updates, the current minimum wage situation in the UAE, and why is it necessary to stay informed about these developments.
What is the minimum wage in UAE?
Minimum wage refers to the lowest amount of pay employees receive for the work they perform. The UAE government has set a standard to ensure that workers receive fair compensation for their labor to promote a basic standard of living and prevent exploitation.
Currently, there isn’t any official minimum wage in UAE for all workers. However, the authorities have taken a different approach by focusing on wage regulations based on job categories and skill levels. In simple terms, wages are often negotiated between employers and employees, ensuring that fair practices are followed.
To encourage such fairness and integrity, the UAE government introduced the Wage Protection System (WPS) to make sure that workers are paid reasonably and on time, thus protecting both skilled and unskilled workers from exploitation.
The UAE’s approach to minimum wage to similar to that of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. For instance, the minimum wages for certain job categories like domestic workers are set in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. However, there isn’t a national minimum wage for all sectors. This reflects the wide-ranging trend where laws for minimum wage focus on specific job sectors rather than the entire workforce.
Factors Affecting Minimum Wage in Dubai
Several factors affect wage levels in the UAE, such as –
- High-demand industries – Due to increased demand for skilled professionals in sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare, the pay is often higher.
- Skills and qualifications – Higher education and specialized skills also affect wage levels. For instance, skilled professionals like doctors, engineers, IT specialists, etc. usually earn more than menial workers. Similarly, individuals with advanced degrees and relevant certifications have earning potential in the UAE.
- Geographic location – The wages may vary depending on the location of the company within the country. For instance, companies established in metropolises like Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally offer higher salaries compared to other smaller cities in the UAE.
- Size and type of company – The salaries and benefits are often higher in large multinational companies than in small local firms. Similarly, the type of company can also influence wage structures, such as private firms, public organizations, etc.
- Economic conditions – Overall economic conditions of the country, such as GDP growth, inflation rates, etc. tend to affect pay levels.
- Work experience – The work experience of an employee is also a crucial factor in determining the wage level. An individual with more experience will get a better remuneration than a less experienced worker.
Wage Protection System in the UAE
WPS, or Wage Protection System, is a government-mandated system in the UAE that ensures that workers are paid fairly and timely, thereby protecting their rights and preventing wage disputes.
Employers are required to register their firm as well as the employees in the WPS system and submit salary details and payment schedules to MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation). The system keeps tabs on salary payments and alerts authorities in case of discrepancies or delays.
Key features of the Wage Protection System in the UAE:-
- It mandates that the salaries of employees are transferred electronically to their bank accounts in order to ensure transparency and prevent payment delays.
- The system sets limits on permissible salary deductions so that workers are spared from excessive deductions for loans, fines, or other reasons.
- It provides a tool for resolving wage disputes between employers and employees and offers an efficient process for solving conflicts.
- The system collects and examines data on salary payments and allows authorities to oversee compliance and identify potential disputes.
In 2024, the government has enhanced the WPS to cover more categories of workers. Employers who fail to comply with its regulations would be subject to heavy penalties and potential legal action.
Role of MOHRE in Wage Regulation in the UAE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has a fundamental role in monitoring wage protection in the UAE.
- It implements wage protection laws and regulations.
- It monitors the WPS and ensures that it is functioning properly.
- It resolves wage disputes between employers and employees.
- It provides guidance and support on wage-related matters.
Additionally, MOHRE has introduced new measures and initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of WPS in the UAE.
Paying wages in UAE: Guide for employers
Paying wages in the UAE requires an understanding of the legal requirements and choosing suitable methods of payment. Here’s a brief guide –
Understand the legal framework – The Wage Protection System in the UAE mandates salary payments through authorized banks. Hence, employers must familiarize themselves with the system and its regulations.
Choose a payment method – WPS-approved banks ensure direct salary deposits. Employers must keep a note of that and make cheque payments to ensure timely deposits.
Establish a payroll system – In order to manage wage calculations and generate payslips, companies must install payroll software which will also help in maintaining accurate records of salaries and deductions.
Pay on time – Employers must fix a payment schedule and keep a check on compliance with WPS requirements.
Provide payslips – Finally, the company must also issue payslips to employees detailing salary breakdowns and deductions. This will ensure transparency and integrity between employers and workers.
Future of Minimum Wage in UAE
The introduction of minimum wage in UAE has been a subject of discussion for some time. Although there isn’t a fixed timeline to take this initiative in the UAE, a trend is gaining momentum in several countries. It is expected that the UAE may eventually run with the herd.
The following factors are believed to be influencing the decision to introduce a minimum wage in Dubai or nationwide:
- Economic growth
- Global trends
- Social and political factors
Stay compliant with UAE’s labor laws
In a nutshell, the Wage Protection System in the UAE is a promising development and both employers and employees are required to stay informed about the system and the existing wage regulations. Knowing the rules regarding minimum wage in UAE will not only ensure compliance with the law but also fairness within the workforce which creates a happier and motivated environment for them.
If you are new in the business world and thinking of starting a company in the UAE, then you need to acquaint yourself with these regulations. This is where you need an expert like Shuraa Business Setup. The team of professionals of Shuraa will help you understand the laws and support you with company registration and its legal requirements.
Reach out to Shuraa at www.shuraa.com. You can also connect with their legal advisor at info@shuraa.com