Latest news with #WagesProtectionSystem
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
What OFWs need to know about the pilot implementation of 100% online contract verification in the UAE
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE can now verify their employment contracts fully online, thanks to the Department of Migrant Workers' (DMW) new digital initiative. This 30-day pilot program, launched on July 7, 2025, covers OFWs under the jurisdiction of MWO-Dubai and Northern Emirates, including those in Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. Here's a rundown of the most important questions and answers about the new system: Where can OFWs access the online platform? OFWs can access the system by visiting The portal is open from Monday to Friday, starting at 8:00 a.m. each day. It accepts up to 200 applications daily and closes at 11:59 p.m. or once the limit is reached. Is this online system mandatory for all OFWs? No, the online system is optional. OFWs can still have their contracts verified in person at MWO-Dubai. Manual verification remains available, especially for workers with confirmed flights, who may visit the office one working day before departure. Who is qualified to apply through the online system? The online service is for land-based OFWs under the jurisdiction of MWO-Dubai who have not yet had their employment contracts verified. Applicants must have a valid employment visa and be receiving their salary through proper channels like the Wages Protection System or direct bank transfer. OFWs who are not on employment visas, those earning below AED 1,500, domestic workers under 24 years old, and those involved in visa trading or using invalid sponsor information are not eligible. The system also excludes seafarers and those working under freelance or invalid business licenses. What documents are needed for online submission? Applicants must upload a clear copy of their signed employment contract, Philippine passport, and both sides of their Emirates ID. The system requires all mandatory documents before the submission can proceed. Optional documents include payslip or salary certificate, bank certificate, and company details. Files should be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format only. What happens if documents are incomplete? If required documents are missing or unclear, the application will be disapproved. During the pilot run, applicants whose submissions are rejected will receive an email explaining the reason and how they can correct it. How long will the verification process take? If the documents are complete and the verification fee is paid, the process usually takes three working days. Once approved, the applicant will receive an email and can download their verified contract from the system. Can I also get my OEC through the same platform? Once your contract is verified and the fee is paid, your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) will be available within 24 hours through your e-Registration account at Contract verification and OEC issuance are two separate steps but are connected in the system. Are there any fees for this service? Yes. The verification fee is AED 40, which is only paid after your contract is approved. There is also a convenience fee of AED 21.50 paid at the start of your online application, plus a separate AED 1.00 fee from the payment gateway. Payments can be made securely using any debit or credit card. What if I have questions or need help with the system? For any issues or inquiries, OFWs may email MWO-Dubai at [email protected]. There is also a step-by-step guide on the application portal to help users through the process. Do I need to use the new system if I already have a verified contract and OEC? No. If your details have not changed and you already have a verified contract or OEC exemption through the DMW's e-Registration system, you don't need to use the new platform. The launch of the 100% online contract verification system marks a major step forward in making government services more accessible and convenient for OFWs in the UAE. By removing the need for physical visits to the Migrant Workers Office, the Department of Migrant Workers aims to save time, reduce stress, and strengthen protections for Filipino workers abroad. As the pilot implementation rolls out, OFWs are encouraged to take advantage of the new system, stay informed, and share the information with fellow kababayans.
Hi Dubai
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE: Key Risks of Hiring Domestic Workers Through Unlicensed Agencies
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) has issued a fresh warning to employers and families about the dangers of hiring domestic workers through unlicensed recruitment channels, particularly as such services increasingly surface on social media platforms. MoHRE stressed that bypassing approved agencies poses serious risks not only to employers' legal standing but also to their households' safety and wellbeing. Authorities have outlined five key dangers associated with using unverified domestic labour providers: Legal accountability – Employing a domestic worker without official sponsorship or documentation is a violation of UAE labour laws and can lead to penalties. Health hazards – Unlicensed workers often lack official medical clearance, potentially exposing families to infectious diseases. Security threats – Informal recruitment increases the risk of hiring individuals with criminal records or ties to illegal activities. Lack of training – Workers may not meet skill or behavioural standards due to inadequate vetting or training. No contractual protections – Without valid contracts, employers cannot legally hold workers accountable or seek recourse for breaches. Why Licensed Agencies Are the Safer Choice Approved recruitment agencies operate strictly under the UAE's Domestic Workers Law. These agencies are: Regularly audited for compliance with labour regulations. Required to offer transparent, Ministry-approved pricing in line with source-country recruitment costs. Held accountable for worker conduct, training, and medical fitness. In essence, licensed agencies ensure protection for both parties—offering employers peace of mind and safeguarding workers' rights. Recruitment Packages Regulated by Mohre Mohre-authorised recruitment agencies offer three structured packages to meet different employer needs: 1. Traditional Package The worker is under the employer's sponsorship and lives in the household. Includes a two-year contract with a six-month probation period. Employers can request a replacement or refund during probation for: Resignation without cause Absconding Medical unfitness Inability to perform agreed duties Partial refunds apply post-probation based on contract duration remaining. 2. Temporary Package Worker is sponsored by the agency and does not reside with the employer. Services can be initiated within 24 hours. Ideal for short-term or live-out arrangements with a two-year contract. 3. Flexible Package Workers are provided on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Registered with the agency and not tied to employer sponsorship. Includes unlimited replacements and same-day service availability. Wage Payment Reforms Enhance Transparency The UAE has also implemented reforms to ensure wage protection for domestic workers. Select worker categories must now be paid via the Wages Protection System (WPS). This system is designed to: Ensure timely, documented salary payments. Provide digital transparency for both employers and workers. Reduce wage-related disputes. Support the stability of contractual agreements. Keep Mohre updated on wage transactions to prevent violations. The ministry strongly urges residents to rely only on licensed recruitment firms to hire domestic workers. Doing so not only aligns with national regulations but also upholds the safety, security, and rights of all parties involved. News Source: Khaleej Times
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Astra Tech and 7X Partner to Advance Digital Financial Services and Integrated Trade and Logistics Solutions
* Collaboration advances UAE digital transformation goals through unified finance, logistics, and identity solutions * Agreement leverages FINTX and WAYN to drive financial inclusion, cross-border remittances, and last-mile delivery integration Dubai, UAE – 16th May 2025: Astra Tech, the leading consumer technology holding group behind Botim, has announced a strategic partnership with 7X, the investment holding group in trade, transport, and logistics. The agreement, formalized during the Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS), sets the stage for an integrated digital ecosystem that combines financial services, logistics, and last-mile delivery, advancing the UAE's vision for a connected, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy. The collaboration will enhance access to secure, compliant, and customer-centric services by embedding remittance capabilities, salary processing via both Wages Protection System (WPS) solutions through the innovative Botim Salary Card, and digital payment tools into everyday platforms. It also catalyzes future enhancements, including AI-powered address verification, last-mile delivery integration, and expanded payment acceptance points. Astra Tech's WPS solution, the Botim Salary Card, will be rolled out to FINTX's (the fintech arm of 7X) extensive customer base, marking a significant expansion in salary disbursement capabilities across businesses' clientele through a trusted and compliant delivery network. FINTX plays a central role in this collaboration, reinforcing its mandate as a trusted financial enabler and expanding the reach of UAE-born fintech capabilities across all user segments and geographies. In addition, the agreement also explores new avenues to expand Botim's international remittance services through FINTX's global financial network, connecting users to agent locations worldwide. By embedding this infrastructure into the Botim app, users will be able to send and receive cross-border remittances quickly and securely from within the platform they already use every day. This expansion positions Botim as a comprehensive financial services platform meeting the everyday needs of both domestic and international users. The collaboration also lays the groundwork for a broader range of fintech and logistics innovations. These include wallet top-ups and eKYC services at FINTX's Wall Street Exchange branches, enabling Botim Wallet payments at 7X retail locations, deploying point-of-sale systems to support SME digitization, and improving last-mile delivery logistics. Other areas under exploration include address verification powered by the WAYN platform, UAE's Digital P.O. Box, to support verified deliveries and secure digital identities. WAYN's integration will enable more secure, reliable communication and transactions across Botim's user base, contributing to the national digital infrastructure. It will also explore corporate payment integrations via WASLAH, the comprehensive logistics platform by 7X. Commenting on the signing, Ahmed Mourad, Chief Operating Officer of Astra Tech, said the partnership with 7X represents a major leap forward in Astra Tech's mission to redefine access to digital finance across the region. He noted that embedding financial tools into everyday digital experiences is not only about convenience but about building a sustainable infrastructure for long-term financial empowerment. Tariq Al Wahedi, Acting Group CEO of 7X, said: 'This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to shaping a future where finance, logistics, and technology converge to serve people better. By joining forces with Astra Tech, we are advancing our shared commitment to supporting national priorities in digital transformation and empowering communities through accessible, integrated, and secure financial and last-mile services. This collaboration is a pivotal milestone in our roadmap to position 7X as a regional force in digital finance and smart trade infrastructure. We will be unlocking new opportunities to simplify how people move money, goods, and services, laying the foundation for a seamless, customer-centric ecosystem that is built for scale, inclusion, and innovation.' As part of 7X's broader digital strategy, FINTX and WAYN serve as critical enablers in this rollout. FINTX ensures that the financial integrations are robust, scalable, and regulatory-compliant, while WAYN strengthens last-mile authentication and secure identity verification for seamless delivery and communication. The partnership will be rolled out in phases, beginning with deployment of Botim Salary Cards to FINTX's WPS customer base, followed by remittance service integrations. Future phases will explore loyalty programs, logistics enhancements, and expanded financial and business services, making this one of the most comprehensive fintech collaborations in the region. This announcement reinforces Astra Tech and 7X's shared commitment to the UAE's national agenda for digital transformation and financial inclusion by making essential financial services accessible through a single, unified digital platform. -END- About Astra Tech Astra Tech is a UAE-based consumer technology investment and development group operating across the MENA region. Established in 2022, the company owns and operates a portfolio of leading digital platforms including Botim, PayBy, and Quantix. With a mission to redefine consumer technology through AI and innovation, Astra Tech developed the Botim Ultra app, the region's first platform to integrate communication, fintech, and services under one roof. PayBy, Astra Tech's fintech subsidiary, is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE as a Stored Value Facility (SVF) and Retail Payment Services (RPS) provider. Serving over 150 million users in 155 countries, Astra Tech is setting new benchmarks for financial accessibility and consumer empowerment. In 2024, its fintech arm Quantix received the Finance Company License from the UAE Central Bank and secured a $500 million investment from Citi, the largest funding deal for a fintech in UAE history. About 7X 7X, a Public Joint Stock Company under the Emirates Investment Authority. 7X operates as a trade, transport, and logistics investment and holding group, headquartered in Dubai, overseeing and managing its diverse portfolio, including its logistics arm EMX, its fintech arm FINTX, its digital transformation business EDC, and postal services through Emirates Post. 7X supports the UAE's socio-economic development by integrating national goals across logistics, eCommerce, financial inclusion, and digitalization. It is the driving force enabling a world in motion from the 7 emirates to the 7 continents, and across the 7 seas.
Filipino Times
20-04-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Wages Protection System: Why it matters for OFWs and how it protects your salary
For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE, payday isn't just about collecting a salary—it's about making sure families back home are provided for, bills are paid, and dreams for a better future are kept alive. That's why getting paid on time and in full matters so much. Good thing the UAE has the Wages Protection System (WPS)—a system designed to make sure workers, especially OFWs like you, are treated fairly when it comes to salary. What is the WPS? The WPS is an electronic salary transfer system launched by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), designed to ensure that workers receive their full wages on time. It ensures that private sector workers receive their full wages on time via banks, exchange offices, or other financial institutions authorized by the Central Bank of the UAE. No more waiting around for envelopes or unclear payments. With WPS, your salary goes straight into your bank account—safe, secure, and documented. And here's a big deal: 99% of workers in the UAE are already receiving their salaries through WPS, according to MoHRE. That's proof that the system works and is widely trusted. Who is required to use WPS? All companies registered with MoHRE are legally required to use the WPS to process their employees' salaries. Just recently, the ministry extended WPS coverage to include five domestic worker professions, particularly personal health care provider, personal trainer, private agriculture engineer, personal tutor, and personal public relations officer (PRO). When should salaries be paid? According to the law, your salary should be paid no later than 15 days after the due date stated in your contract. So, if you're supposed to be paid at the end of the month, your employer has until the 15th of the next month to transfer your wages. But if your contract says you should be paid earlier—or more frequently—then your employer has to follow that agreement. If there's no specific payday mentioned, employers must pay at least once a month. No skipping. No delays. What happens if employers don't pay on time? If an employer fails to pay wages by the due date, the system sends an electronic reminder on the 3rd and 10th day after the due date. If there's still no action by the 17th day, the company will be blocked from issuing new work permits and face salary-related restrictions until the delayed wages are paid. Why it's important for OFWs? For OFWs, the WPS brings something priceless: peace of mind. You know your salary will arrive on time. You get exactly what's agreed in your contract. And if something goes wrong, the system is on your side. But it's not just about protecting workers. The WPS also helps employers follow labor laws, makes the workplace clearer, and builds trust with employees, protecting both parties.
Filipino Times
08-04-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
MOHRE makes WPS mandatory for 5 domestic worker professions
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) continues to strengthen the labor rights of domestic workers in the UAE through the Wages Protection System (WPS). In its latest update, the ministry announced that starting April 1, 2025, the WPS will become mandatory for five key domestic worker professions. The WPS is a government initiative that ensures workers are paid their salaries on time and in full. It works by requiring employers to transfer salaries through an electronic system that tracks and protects payments. This system helps prevent issues like delayed or unpaid wages, giving workers the assurance that they will receive their salaries as agreed. Mandatory professions under WPS Starting April 1st, employers in the UAE are required to register the following five domestic worker professions in the WPS: Personal health care provider Personal trainer Private agriculture engineer Personal tutor Personal public relations officer (PRO) Optional professions for WPS registration In addition to the mandatory professions, employers may also choose to register workers in 14 other domestic roles through the WPS. These include: Nanny/babysitter Household shepherd Housekeeper Household horse groomer Housemaid Physical labor worker Sailor Household falcon trainer Cook Farmer Security guard Gardener Personal driver Tamer
