Payroll & WPS Software for the GCC
Every GCC state requires private-sector salaries to be paid through a Wage Protection System (WPS) or an equivalent bank-based scheme, so the labour ministry can see that each employee was paid the agreed amount on time. Late or missing salary payments lead to fines, work-permit blocks and, in serious cases, suspension of the company's labour file.
DocMakBooks keeps each employee's basic salary, allowances and joining date, runs monthly payroll in one click, and posts the cost to your books so payroll, VAT and financial reports stay in step.
Last updated 2026-10-09
WPS and social insurance by country
The scheme names and contribution rules differ by country:
- UAE — salaries are paid through the MOHRE Wage Protection System using a Salary Information File (SIF) via an approved bank or exchange house. UAE and GCC nationals are also registered with the relevant pension authority.
- Saudi Arabia — wages are paid through the Mudad platform and WPS; GOSI contributions are due for Saudi nationals (annuities) and for all employees (occupational hazards).
- Oman — WPS has been phased in since 2023 through the Ministry of Labour, with social protection contributions for Omani employees.
- Qatar — the Ministry of Labour's WPS requires salaries to be paid through Qatari banks.
- Kuwait and Bahrain — PAM (Kuwait) and the LMRA (Bahrain) monitor salary payments through bank transfers, with social insurance for nationals.
End-of-service gratuity
Gratuity is often the largest payroll liability a GCC business carries. In the UAE, employees earn 21 days of basic salary for each of the first five years and 30 days for each year after, capped at two years' wages. In Saudi Arabia, end-of-service benefit is half a month's wage per year for the first five years and a full month per year after that, reduced for resignations.
Building up this liability each month, instead of paying it as a surprise when someone leaves, keeps your profit figures accurate and your cash flow predictable.
Payroll mistakes that lead to penalties
The most common problems are paying salaries late, paying a different amount from the contract registered with the ministry, leaving allowances out of the gratuity basis where the contract includes them, and not updating the payroll when an employee's contract changes.
How it works in DocMakBooks
- 1Add employees with joining date, basic salary and allowances.
- 2Run the monthly payroll — gross pay, allowances and totals are calculated for every active employee.
- 3Pay salaries through your bank or exchange house under your country's WPS.
- 4Payroll cost is posted to your books for reporting.
- 5Review service length and salary to estimate end-of-service gratuity.
Frequently asked questions
What is WPS?
The Wage Protection System is a government scheme that requires private-sector salaries to be paid through approved banks or exchange houses so the labour ministry can confirm employees are paid on time.
How is UAE gratuity calculated?
21 days of basic salary for each of the first five years of service and 30 days for each further year, capped at two years' total wages.
Does DocMakBooks submit the WPS file to the bank?
No. DocMakBooks calculates payroll and records the cost; you make the WPS payment through your bank or exchange house.
What is GOSI?
Saudi Arabia's General Organization for Social Insurance. Employers contribute for Saudi nationals' pensions and for occupational hazards cover for all employees.
What happens if salaries are paid late?
Penalties vary, but labour ministries can fine the employer and block new work permits until salaries are paid.
General information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm current rules with the relevant authority.