FAQ: When does the worker’s wage become due for payment for the employer? And when does the establishment owner become late in paying the wages according to WPS rules?

Question:

When does the worker’s wage become due for payment for the employer? And when does the establishment owner become late in paying the wages according to WPS rules?

Answer:

In the UAE, the worker’s wage becomes due for payment starting from the first day of the month following the entitlement month according to Article 1 and Article 2 of Ministerial Decision No. 598 of 2022 Concerning the Wages Protection System. 

Wages must be paid no later than the 15th day of the following month after the wage period ends, unless the contract specifies an earlier date.

Example:

If the salary is for April, it must be paid by May 15th at the latest.

If April salary is not paid by May 16, the employer is officially late under WPS.

According to Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, late payment results in:

The WPS system tracks wage payments electronically, so delays are automatically flagged.