Latest news with #WageProtectionSystem
Khaleej Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Ajman Bank and MENSA Technologies announce strategic alliance
Ajman Bank, a leading Shariah-compliant banks in the UAE, has partnered with MENSA Technologies, a fintech company, in a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing the delivery of Wage Protection System (WPS) services across the region. This collaboration combines Ajman Bank's banking infrastructure with MENSA Technologies' digital payroll solutions to provide seamless and timely salary disbursements to a culturally diverse workforce while meeting all regulatory requirements. The partnership introduces a next-generation WPS card solution tailored to the needs of today's representative global employee base. Designed to simplify payroll management, the solution empowers employees regardless of income level or banking access with secure, regulated financial services that extend beyond traditional cash-based systems. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, said: 'This partnership reflects Ajman Bank's strategic focus on embedding innovation into core banking infrastructure to support national priorities. By integrating agile digital payroll solutions with Shariah-compliant financial services, we are enhancing the wage protection ecosystem in a way that is secure, compliant, and scalable. It enables employers to meet regulatory obligations efficiently, while expanding access to banking for underserved segments of the workforce. As the financial system evolves, Ajman Bank remains committed to delivering purposeful innovation that advances both customer value and economic resilience.' This initiative reinforces the infrastructure for compliant, transparent, and inclusive salary disbursement—an essential pillar in the UAE's evolving financial ecosystem. Dr. Mengsha Tan, Chairwoman of Mensha Group, added, 'This WPS Cards and Wallets initiative is a powerful testament to Mensha Group's commitment to advancing financial inclusion. Through MensaPay and Mensa Technologies' innovation, combined with Ajman Bank's trusted banking framework, we are providing individuals with the financial tools they truly deserve, contributing significantly to the UAE's ambitious journey.' Muhammad Ashraf, CEO of MensaPay, commented: ' At MensaPay, we are immensely proud to enable this significant stride towards financial inclusion and a cashless society in the UAE, Our advanced technology underpins MensaPay's ability to deliver a compliant, efficient, and user-friendly solution with Ajman Bank, opening doors to essential financial services for the underbanked.' This partnership marks a significant step in reinforcing the UAE's wage protection framework and ensuring financial accessibility for all. By uniting the strengths of regulated Islamic banking and fintech innovation, Ajman Bank and MENSA Technologies are delivering a future-ready WPS model designed for scale, compliance, and inclusion. It demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can unlock new channels for economic resilience, workforce empowerment, and sustainable growth across the region.
Al Bawaba
30-07-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Ajman Bank and MENSA Technologies Announce Strategic Alliance to Transform WPS Services in the UAE
Ajman Bank, one of the leading Shariah-compliant banks in the UAE, has partnered with MENSA Technologies, an innovative fintech company, in a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing the delivery of Wage Protection System (WPS) services across the region. This collaboration combines Ajman Bank's robust banking infrastructure with MENSA Technologies' agile digital payroll solutions to provide seamless and timely salary disbursements to a culturally diverse workforce while meeting all regulatory by a shared vision of financial inclusion and operational excellence, the partnership introduces a next-generation WPS card solution tailored to the needs of today's representative global employee base. Designed to simplify payroll management, the solution empowers employees regardless of income level or banking access with secure, regulated financial services that extend beyond traditional cash-based Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, stated:"This partnership reflects Ajman Bank's strategic focus on embedding innovation into core banking infrastructure to support national priorities. By integrating agile digital payroll solutions with Shariah-compliant financial services, we are enhancing the wage protection ecosystem in a way that is secure, compliant, and scalable. It enables employers to meet regulatory obligations efficiently, while expanding access to banking for underserved segments of the workforce. As the financial system evolves, Ajman Bank remains committed to delivering purposeful innovation that advances both customer value and economic resilience."This initiative reinforces the infrastructure for compliant, transparent, and inclusive salary disbursement, an essential pillar in the UAE's evolving financial Mengsha Tan, Chairwoman of Mensha Group, added, "This WPS Cards and Wallets initiative is a powerful testament to Mensha Group's commitment to advancing financial inclusion. Through MensaPay and Mensa Technologies' innovation, combined with Ajman Bank's trusted banking framework, we are providing individuals with the financial tools they truly deserve, contributing significantly to the UAE's ambitious journey."Mr. Muhammad Ashraf, CEO of MensaPay, commented: "At MensaPay, we are immensely proud to enable this significant stride towards financial inclusion and a cashless society in the UAE, Our advanced technology underpins MensaPay's ability to deliver a compliant, efficient, and user-friendly solution with Ajman Bank, opening doors to essential financial services for the under banked."This partnership marks a significant step in reinforcing the UAE's wage protection framework and ensuring financial accessibility for all. By uniting the strengths of regulated Islamic banking and fintech innovation, Ajman Bank and MENSA Technologies are delivering a future-ready WPS model designed for scale, compliance, and inclusion. It demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can unlock new channels for economic resilience, workforce empowerment, and sustainable growth across the region.
Zawya
30-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ajman Bank and MENSA Technologies announce strategic alliance to transform WPS services in the UAE
Ajman, United Arab Emirates: Ajman Bank, one of the leading Shariah-compliant banks in the UAE, has partnered with MENSA Technologies, an innovative fintech company, in a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing the delivery of Wage Protection System (WPS) services across the region. This collaboration combines Ajman Bank's robust banking infrastructure with MENSA Technologies' agile digital payroll solutions to provide seamless and timely salary disbursements to a culturally diverse workforce while meeting all regulatory requirements. United by a shared vision of financial inclusion and operational excellence, the partnership introduces a next-generation WPS card solution tailored to the needs of today's representative global employee base. Designed to simplify payroll management, the solution empowers employees regardless of income level or banking access with secure, regulated financial services that extend beyond traditional cash-based systems. Mr. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, stated:"This partnership reflects Ajman Bank's strategic focus on embedding innovation into core banking infrastructure to support national priorities. By integrating agile digital payroll solutions with Shariah-compliant financial services, we are enhancing the wage protection ecosystem in a way that is secure, compliant, and scalable. It enables employers to meet regulatory obligations efficiently, while expanding access to banking for underserved segments of the workforce. As the financial system evolves, Ajman Bank remains committed to delivering purposeful innovation that advances both customer value and economic resilience." This initiative reinforces the infrastructure for compliant, transparent, and inclusive salary disbursement, an essential pillar in the UAE's evolving financial ecosystem. Dr. Mengsha Tan, Chairwoman of Mensha Group, added, "This WPS Cards and Wallets initiative is a powerful testament to Mensha Group's commitment to advancing financial inclusion. Through MensaPay and Mensa Technologies' innovation, combined with Ajman Bank's trusted banking framework, we are providing individuals with the financial tools they truly deserve, contributing significantly to the UAE's ambitious journey." Mr. Muhammad Ashraf, CEO of MensaPay, commented: "At MensaPay, we are immensely proud to enable this significant stride towards financial inclusion and a cashless society in the UAE, Our advanced technology underpins MensaPay's ability to deliver a compliant, efficient, and user-friendly solution with Ajman Bank, opening doors to essential financial services for the under banked." This partnership marks a significant step in reinforcing the UAE's wage protection framework and ensuring financial accessibility for all. By uniting the strengths of regulated Islamic banking and fintech innovation, Ajman Bank and MENSA Technologies are delivering a future-ready WPS model designed for scale, compliance, and inclusion. It demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can unlock new channels for economic resilience, workforce empowerment, and sustainable growth across the region.
Gulf Today
22-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Private sector given two months to appoint replacement when Emirati's service is terminated
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has affirmed that if a private sector establishment terminates the service of an Emirati for reasons such as violations or absences, it will be given a two-month grace period to appoint a replacement and the contribution will be calculated in the event of a delay. If an Emirati is appointed at the beginning of the year but has not completed the year, the establishment will be given a two-month grace period to appoint a replacement upon the commencement of the applied contribution in order to meet the prescribed percentage, it added, noting that the contribution would be calculated in the event of a delay. Emiratisation rates are calculated based on the work permits of Emiratis registered in the MoHRE's approved systems according to four conditions: 1) The Emirati must have a valid work permit. 2) His wages must be paid through the Wage Protection System or any other system approved by a UAE competent authority. 3) He must be registered with the approved pension funds. 4) He and the establishment must have a contractual relationship that meets all the terms and conditions in accordance with the Labour Relations Regulation Law and its executive regulations and decisions. The MoHRE stated that employers and establishments can obtain details of the decision on the employment of two per cent of national cadres and download the decision through the MoHRE's website ( marketing brochures on the MoHRE's social media account or contact its call centre on 600590000. The representatives of establishments can also attend workshops that are organised regularly to explain the latest developments of the decision and its implementation mechanism. Economic activities and establishments are studied in terms of job types, work environment, geographical location, nature of economic growth, and Emiratisation priorities. The targeted activities for Emiratisation rates in the first edition included information and communications; financial activities; insurance activities; real estate activities; professional, scientific and technical activities; administrative services activities; support services; education; human health activities, social work; arts and entertainment; mining and quarrying; manufacturing industries; construction; wholesale and retail trade; transportation and storage; and accommodation and hospitality services, among others. The activities are updated regularly according to the Emiratisation priorities in the private sector.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Qatar's labour reforms: Progress or missed promises for migrant workers?
Qatar introduced sweeping labour reforms post-2020, including the removal of the Kafala system and minimum wage laws, but enforcement and worker protections remain areas of concern in 2025/Image: Shutterstock TL;DR: Since abolishing the Kafala system in August 2020, Qatar has implemented sweeping labour reforms: nearly 350,000 workers switched jobs without NOC, a non-discriminatory minimum wage (QAR 1,000 + QAR 800 allowances/month), and an online complaint platform resolving 67% of disputes at conciliation. The Workers' Support and Insurance Fund and Wage Protection System (WPS) ensure wage transparency and payout enforcement. Despite these gains enforcement gaps, lingering power imbalances in dispute resolutions, and continued reports of non-payment and unsafe living conditions indicate that the transformation is far from complete. Qatar's ambitious labour reforms between 2021 and 2025 have drawn both global praise and persistent scrutiny. In the wake of the 2022 FIFA World Cup spotlight, the Gulf nation raced to overhaul its treatment of migrant workers, a backbone of its economy. Key initiatives, from abolishing the notorious Kafala system to setting a universal minimum wage aimed to rectify longstanding abuses. Yet, as the stadium lights dim and the world's gaze shifts, an important question lingers: have these changes meaningfully improved daily life for Qatar's vast expat workforce, or do systemic gaps still undermine progress? Historic Labour Reform Milestones In the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar introduced reforms that fundamentally reshaped its labour landscape. The abolition of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) now allows migrant workers to change jobs and exit the country without employer permission overturning a core pillar of the Kafala system. The Kafala system, historically prevalent across Gulf nations including Qatar, was a sponsorship framework that governed the relationship between foreign workers and their employers. Under this system, a worker's legal residency and work permit were tied directly to their employer, or "kafeel," effectively giving the employer control over the employee's ability to enter, stay, or exit the country. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists Confirm: 60-Year-Old Sheds Fat With 4 Ingredients The Healthy Way Learn More Undo In 2020, Qatar became the first Gulf country to officially abolish key elements of the Kafala system, following international criticism and consultations with the International Labour Organization (ILO). In March 2021, Qatar became the first Gulf nation to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage; QAR 1,000 ($275) plus a QAR 300 ($82) food and QAR 500 ($137) housing allowance for all workers. MaaSaken: Online Dispute Resolution & Whistleblower Access The national Labour Ministry launched a digital complaints platform in 2021, including an anonymous whistleblower feature, leading to more than a twofold increase in cases lodged. Between October 2021 and October 2022, 67% were settled at conciliation, and only the rest escalated to Labor Dispute Committees. These committees expanded from three to five locations, processing over 24,600 cases during that period. Mobility Surge: 350,000 Workers Took New Jobs Figures from the ILO show that between November 2020 and August 2022, almost 350,000 migrant workers exercised their newfound rights to change employment significantly outpacing pre-reform numbers (18,000 in 2019). This indicates a major shift in worker empowerment across the employment spectrum. Qatar's Wage Protection System (WPS) mandates digital remittance of salaries, reducing wage exploitation. As of 2021–22, 84% of disputes brought under WPS were resolved in the worker's favour. The Workers' Support and Insurance Fund, established in 2018, also compensates workers when employers default, a critical safety net. Heat Stress & Health Safeguards In June 2021, Qatar introduced heat protection measures: outdoor work is banned between 10am–3:30pm from June to September, with work also prohibited if Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature surpasses 32.1°C. This represents a significant step toward safeguarding worker health and safety. What Still Needs Improvement Despite progress, implementation and enforcement gaps remain: ILO experts warn that while legal structures exist, power imbalances and employer retaliation persist, workers still face false absconding claims, deportation threats, and slow claim processing. Guardian and AP reports note ongoing issues: wage theft, unsafe dormitories, unresolved end-of-service benefits, and moderate temper compliance. Human rights organisations caution that freedom of association remains blocked, and some vulnerable groups especially undocumented or domestic workers still lack protection. A Global Precedent Under Construction Qatar's reforms, driven by the ILO's technical cooperation since 2018, represent a notable policy shift aligned with its National Vision 2030. The UN's Human Rights Council and ILO have formally commended Qatar, though they urge full enforcement and abolition of any Kafala remnants. As Gulf nations prepare for events like the Saudi-2034 World Cup, Qatar's model could inform future regional labour policy. Qatar's labour reforms have delivered real, measurable improvements: freedom to change jobs, guaranteed minimum wages, digital pay and complaint systems, heat protection, and dispute resolutions. However, these gains must be backed by robust enforcement, faster resolution mechanisms, protection against retaliation, and expanded inclusion for all worker categories. The journey from reform to real-world impact continues, Qatar's example may serve as a blueprint, but its legacy will depend on sustained compliance and expansion beyond headline-driven change.
