MOHRE and e& money launch wage protection for domestic workers
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has signed a groundbreaking agreement with e& money to provide wage protection services for domestic workers in the UAE. This partnership is a first-of-its-kind move that brings the Wage Protection System (WPS) into households, giving families a safe and simple way to pay their employees while also improving financial access for workers who were previously left outside the banking system. It represents a major step in supporting workers’ rights, promoting financial inclusion, and strengthening the UAE’s digital economy.
Understanding the Wage Protection System
The Wage Protection System, also known as WPS, was introduced years ago by MOHRE to make sure that workers in the private sector received their salaries on time and in full. Employers were required to transfer wages electronically through approved banks or licensed financial institutions. This created an official record of every payment, helping to prevent disputes and protect employees from delayed or missing salaries.
Until recently, domestic workers such as housemaids, nannies, cooks, and drivers were excluded from the system. Most households paid wages in cash, which often led to a lack of proper documentation, missed payments, and limited access to financial services. With the new agreement, domestic workers are now covered under WPS for the first time, marking a new chapter in the UAE’s labour protection framework.
How the new system works
The new service is fully available through the e& money mobile application. Families who employ domestic workers can register through the app under the MOHRE services section. Once the employer completes the registration, the worker’s details, including their name and salary, are automatically displayed in the app. This makes it very easy for families to pay salaries with just a few clicks on their phone.
When the payment is made, the salary information is sent directly to MOHRE’s system. This ensures that every wage payment is recorded and monitored according to UAE labour laws. The process is simple, quick, and secure, giving employers peace of mind while protecting workers’ rights.
For domestic workers, this new system is life-changing. Every registered worker receives an International Bank Account Number, also known as an IBAN, which allows them to receive money electronically. They are also given a digital wallet that can be accessed through their phone and a Mastercard prepaid card. With these tools, workers can withdraw money, shop online, or send remittances to their families back home without needing a traditional bank account. To encourage households to adopt the system quickly, e& money is also offering two free prepaid cards for up to two workers per household.
Benefits for domestic workers
Domestic workers play an important role in supporting households across the UAE. However, many of them have faced challenges because they do not have access to formal financial services. Being paid in cash often made them vulnerable to late payments, disputes, or even the risk of losing money.
With the new wage protection service, these issues are addressed directly. Workers can now receive their salaries in a secure and reliable way, knowing that payments are tracked and monitored. Having a prepaid card and digital wallet gives them more independence, as they can make purchases, save money, and send funds home easily. This also reduces the need for carrying large amounts of cash, which increases their safety.
The introduction of IBANs and prepaid cards also helps workers become part of the financial ecosystem. For many, this is the first time they will have access to regulated banking-style services. It allows them to build financial habits, gain experience with digital payments, and plan better for their future.
Advantages for employers
The system is equally beneficial for employers. Families often found it difficult to manage salary payments for domestic workers using only cash. There was always the risk of payment delays, miscalculations, or a lack of proper records. The new service eliminates these challenges by offering a streamlined process within a single app.
Employers now have a convenient way to pay salaries on time without handling cash every month. They can rest assured that payments are fully compliant with MOHRE regulations, reducing the risk of penalties or legal issues. The digital records also serve as proof of payment, which helps in avoiding disputes. By using this system, employers can build stronger relationships with their workers, as timely and transparent payments foster trust and respect.
Statements from leaders
Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MOHRE, highlighted the importance of this initiative by explaining that it shows the ministry’s continued commitment to protecting workers’ rights. She said that expanding wage protection to domestic workers guarantees broader and more inclusive access to regulated and secure financial services while ensuring salaries are paid on time.
Melike Kara, CEO of e& money, also emphasized the role of financial innovation in this partnership. She noted that the integration of MOHRE’s WPS model into the e& money platform makes salary management more efficient, secure, and inclusive. She described the initiative as a way to democratize financial services and improve the quality of life for both employers and workers.
Strengthening labour protection in the UAE
The expansion of WPS to include domestic workers is more than a digital upgrade. It reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its labour protection framework and aligning with global best practices. Domestic workers are a large part of the workforce, and ensuring their welfare has long been a priority for the government.
By including them in WPS, the government is taking a strong step toward fairness and transparency. Workers are guaranteed timely payment, employers are supported with compliance tools, and the system as a whole becomes more transparent. This move also reduces exploitation risks and ensures that the UAE continues to set an example as a country that values its workforce.
A step toward digital transformation
This initiative also highlights the UAE’s broader strategy of becoming a digital-first economy. The connection between MOHRE’s systems and the e& money platform is powered by advanced API integration. This ensures that wage data flows securely and instantly between the employer, the financial platform, and the ministry.
The shift from cash-based salary payments to digital systems is part of the country’s long-term vision of building a cashless economy. It aligns with wider efforts to promote digital banking, financial literacy, and smart government services. By bringing domestic workers into this system, the UAE is not only improving labour protection but also supporting digital transformation at every level of society.
Building trust across the financial ecosystem
One of the biggest challenges in the domestic worker sector has been trust. Workers often worried about whether their salaries would arrive on time or in full. Employers also had limited ways to prove that payments were made correctly. The new system addresses these concerns by creating a transparent, accountable process where every transaction is documented and verified.
This improves trust between workers and employers and also strengthens confidence in the UAE’s financial and labour systems. It is an approach that benefits everyone involved and builds a stronger social and economic foundation for the future.
Looking ahead
While this initiative currently focuses on domestic workers, it may pave the way for similar solutions in other sectors. As digital adoption grows, more worker groups could be brought under the Wage Protection System through innovative platforms like e& money. This would help create a unified salary management system that benefits both employers and employees across the country.
In the future, there may also be additional services linked to this platform, such as savings accounts, insurance products, or micro-loan options. These features could further support workers’ financial wellbeing while offering employers even more tools to manage their responsibilities effectively.
