Salary Cards forRas Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers

Probably, you have never got your salary on your personal bank account. You receive your salary directly on your salary card. Undoubtedly, the salary card plays an important role in your life: it is your income source, possibility to remit money abroad and confirmation of your legal work. But rarely you get sufficient information regarding how salary card works, its costs and rights. This guide will provide you with all the required information about salary cards in Ras Al Khaimah.

What Will You Learn from This Guide?

From legal aspects of the Wage Protection System in Ras Al Khaimah to practical aspects of checking the balance, money withdrawal, reporting lost cards and contacting points in case of issues. Whether you are a newcomer in Ras Al Khaimah or work there for a long time, this guide will answer your questions about salary cards.

Who Uses Salary Cards in Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers?

You will see salary cards for construction workers, warehouse workers, hotel workers and employees of different companies operating in Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone (RAKEZ). If your employer uses Wage Protection System for salary payment to workers, you are guaranteed (or will be in the future) one of the salary cards. This is not some special product, it is a standard method of payment for numerous residents of RAK working in private sector.

What Is WorkerRas Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers?

Definition and Basic Features

Worker salary card is the payroll card, which your employer uses to deposit your salary directly onto your salary card, and not on your personal bank account. It is used like any other bank card, for cash withdrawal, spending money in stores and money transfer, but it is specifically designed for salary receipt.

The Difference betweenRas Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers and Debit Card

While debit card presupposes the opening of the account in your name, your salary card is usually connected with the limited account with reduced functionality and no minimum (or very small) balance requirements. You are not provided with the cheque book, credit facility and any other banking products, but you get quick and easy onboarding, reduced documentation and card which is specifically designed for salary receipt.

Wage Protection System (WPS): Basic Information

Purpose of UAE Labour Law

Wage Protection System was created in order to make sure that workers receive their payments timely and through the controlled channel, which allows the government to monitor that the worker received proper payment timely. Before the implementation of the system, salary disputes and payment delays were hard to document and prove. Now each employer registered in WPS has to pay salary to workers electronically through the bank or exchange house and all salary payment details are recorded.

How Does WPS Work for Employers, Banks and Workers?

How does it work? Your employer sends your salary details to the bank, which processes them and deposits your salary onto your salary card at scheduled dates. Each delay, omission and discrepancy will be detected by the system. That is why WPS is not only important for you, because you need your salary, but also because you receive the evidence that you were paid properly.

Legal Requirements to RAK Employers

If you work for the company operating in Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers, your employer is required by the law to register in WPS and pay you according to the schedule mentioned in UAE labour law. Otherwise, the company will face penalties, like fines and limitations in issuing of work permits. That is why your employer has the incentive to provide you with regular salary.

Who Issues Salary Cards in Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers?

Banks and Exchange Houses which Provide WPS Cards

In Ras Al Khaimah, you can receive your salary from different banks or exchange houses providing WPS-approved salary cards, which have their pricing policy, network of ATMs and mobile application. Usually, it is the employer, who chooses the provider of salary cards, but you should understand the specific features of your particular provider.

The Role of RAKBank in Salary Cards Provision

As RAKBank is the official bank of the emirate, it plays an important role in salary payment in Ras Al Khaimah and many local employers use it for salary payment to their workers. The use of salary card, provided by RAKBank, gives you access to its branches and ATMs all over the emirate.

Other Payroll Card Providers

In addition to banks, your salary card can be provided by the third-party payroll card providers, which cooperate with your employer in order to provide him or her with convenient way of salary payment. These companies specialize in payroll payments processing, and you will be managing your salary card via mobile application or SMS-service of the card provider.

Who Gets Salary Cards and How It Works?

Who Can Receive a Salary Card?

You become eligible for the salary card immediately after your employer registers your information and includes you into the payroll of WPS, so you do not need to fill out additional form to receive this card.

Documentation Required to Register in WPS

These are usually copy of your Emirates ID, passport and data of your labour card or employment contract. They will be provided by your HR team of your employer.

WPS Registration from the Point of View of Employer

Your employer opens the account in the bank or third party payroll card provider, sends your personal and work-related data to the bank and asks it to issue you salary card. As you see, you are not involved in this process, but knowing about it will help you understand why it takes some time for you to receive your card.

How to Apply for Salary Card Upon Arrival to RAK?

Step-by-Step Application Process

Ask directly your HR or accounts department whether the salary cards are issued in-house or you have to visit the bank branch to receive yours. In most cases, you will have to submit your personal data to the HR department or bank and sign the request form to receive your card.

Typical Timeframes of Issuance and Activation

You can receive yourRas Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers one-two-three weeks after joining the company. Usually, you receive it in the office and usually activate by calling and entering PIN, or by receiving SMS-code — then your salary card is ready to use.

Your Salary Card Balance

Balance Check through Mobile App

You can download the special app, which allows you to enter your card number or mobile number and check your balance online. It is the most convenient and safe way to check the information about the funds available to you, since you do not need to visit ATM or call the customer service.

Balance Check at ATM

You can insert your salary card at any ATM in UAE and select the balance check option. But you will have to pay the fee for using ATM of another bank.

Balance Check through SMS/Missed Call Service

Many salary card providers offer the possibility to check your salary balance by sending special code through SMS to the special phone number or making missed call to it — then your balance will be sent to you as a text message.

Balance Check through Customer Service Line

If your mobile app is not able to provide this information for some reason, you can also call the customer service line of the provider and ask to check your balance after your identification as a card holder.

Money Withdrawal and Spending from Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers

Cash Withdrawal Locations and Limits in RAK

There will be plenty of ATMs in Ras Al Khaimah, both inside and outside the bank branches, in malls and supermarkets, with ATMs of your card provider offering you cheaper withdrawal. Withdrawal limits differ from card to card, so you should consult your card’s terms to know how many times and how much cash you can withdraw from your card.

Spending Money from Salary Card at POS

Your salary card can be used for payments in all points of sale in Ras Al Khaimah — you just need to insert it into the terminal in the supermarket, pharmacy or any other store. Thus, you will not have to withdraw money for every purchase.

Money Transfers and Remittances from Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers

Many card providers allow you to transfer money from your salary card to any local account, and also initiate the international remittance through the exchange house partner of your card provider. These functions are especially useful if you need to remit money abroad regularly.

Costs Involved in Using the Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers

Issuance and Replacement Fees

Your salary card is provided to you for free by your employer, but replacement of your lost or damaged card will cost you some money, so you should be careful with your card. The replacement fee differs from card to card, so you should check your card terms to know your fee.

ATM Fee

While it is free (or cheap) to withdraw money from your card through ATMs of your bank, withdrawal from another bank will cost you additional fee, which will be taken automatically from your account. Try to withdraw money in such way that you could use ATMs of your bank.

Dormancy Fee

After some period of inactivity (for example, after changing your employer), some card providers start charging you the dormancy fee, which gradually decreases your balance. If you are not using your salary card at the moment, you better check your account from time to time.

WPS Payment Schedule and Salary Payments Delays

Typical Payment Schedules

Salary is usually paid by employers in the first days of the month, while WPS indicates the maximum delay before the payment is considered to be late. You will see that your salary is deposited in your salary card every month on the same day.

What Should You Do if the Salary was Paid Late?

If your salary was paid late, you should try to contact HR or accounts department to find out why and discuss this issue with them. Remember the date when your salary should be paid, in order to prove the violation if it happens regularly.

How to Report Non-Payment

If your salary is paid late regularly, you can report this fact to Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). You can do it using their hotline, smart app or in-person service centers.

Worker Rights in the WPS System

Your Legal Protection from Unpaid or Delayed Salaries

UAE labour law protects you from unpaid or delayed salaries, and WPS was created specifically to protect your salary payment. You are not helpless — WPS was created to protect you.

What Penalties Will Be Imposed on Your Employer?

Employer, which does not pay salaries to his or her workers through WPS and pays salaries late regularly, will face financial penalties and inability to issue new work permits and other administrative penalties imposed by the government. Thus, the employer will have the financial incentives to pay you regularly.

How to File a Labour Complaint

You can file a labour complaint to MOHRE and in the most serious cases go to the labour court. You will need to take your Emirates ID, labour card, and any payslip or bank statement, proving the non-payment.

The Most Common Problems with Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers Faced by Workers

Losing or Misplacing Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers

In case of losing or misplacing the card, you should call the customer service hotline and block it to prevent the misuse of it. Usually, replacement of your card can be done within a few business days.

Card Not Activated or Cannot Be Used in ATMs

If your newly issued card does not work in the ATM, you should check that you have activated it by entering your PIN or receiving SMS-code or activating it through the mobile app — unactivated card will not work. If your card is activated, but it still does not work, you should contact the customer service.

Salary Amount Deposited Incorrectly

If the salary was not deposited correctly, you should contact first HR department of your employer, as it may be the payroll process error, and not the intentional action. If the mistake was not solved, you can contact MOHRE using your labour agreement and bank statement as additional evidence.

Renewal, Replacement or Closure of Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers

How to Renew Your Salary Card Before Its Expiration?

Your salary card has its expiration date, and usually, your card provider automatically replaces it before expiration. So, update your contact information in order to avoid the renewal notification.

Replacement of the Damaged or Lost Salary Card

Replacement of your salary card in case of your salary card damage or loss is a similar process, which includes blocking your card, verification of your identity and payment of the replacement fee. You will get replacement card in a few days.

Salary Card Closure After Changing Your Job

After leaving your job, you should ask your employer or card provider to close your salary card account, especially if you need to withdraw your remaining salary. Otherwise, you will pay the dormancy fee later.

Salary Cards vs Traditional Bank Accounts

Advantages of Salary Cards for Low-Income and Blue-Collar Workers

You can receive salary on your salary card immediately after employment, without the trouble of opening an account in the bank, and your salary card usually has no minimum balance requirement — the main advantage if you have irregular income.

Limitations of Your Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers

But unlike the traditional bank account, your salary card usually does not allow you to apply for credits, cheque books or any other banking products. So, if you plan to open the bank account anyway for your savings and loan application, you can do it.

International Money Transfer from Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers

Money Remittance Services

The fees for money transfers abroad from your card are quite competitive compared to the fees of banks and especially exchange houses. Apart from it, you will usually find more convenient ways to initiate the international remittance with your salary card than through the bank.

Comparison of Remittance Fees and Transfer Speeds

The fees for remittance will differ from country to country and according to the selected transfer speed, where immediate transfer is generally more expensive than a regular one, taking one-two days. Comparison of your card provider’s fees and those of exchange houses will be helpful for you to determine the better price. Tips for Security and Prevention

Protection of PIN and Card Details

Never share your card PIN code with anyone, including your colleagues or employees from your bank, as your provider will never ask you to confirm it via phone. Basic security measure to prevent fraud is always to shield the keypad while entering your PIN code in ATM or POS terminal.

How to Detect Frauds against Workers’ Ras Al Khaimah Salary Cards for Workers

If you received any phone call or SMS asking you to “verify” your card with its details or code numbers, it is a phishing scam targeted specifically at workers, unaware of UAE banking system. In case of any doubts, it is better to hang up and dial your provider yourself by using the phone number indicated on your card.

How to Respond to any Fraud and Suspect Transactions

If you have any suspicion about transaction with your card or about any security breach with your card, immediately contact your provider and block your account to dispute the transaction. Quick response will give you the maximum chances to recover your money.

Where to Get Help in Ras Al Khaimah?

How to Contact MOHRE?

You can contact MOHRE by using toll-free hotline, its smart application or visit MOHRE’s center in person in case of salary issues or connected with WPS. All the ways of contacting indicated above are free of charge and available in various languages.

Banks in Ras Al Khaimah

All the major banks providing salary cards operate in RAK, and here you can get personal assistance with salary card issues. To make things easier for you, you need to carry your Emirates ID and salary card with you.

Free Labour Advisory Services

There are various advisory services provided by communities and government that give you free consultation regarding labor law and resolution of wage disputes. This may be useful for you in case of language barrier preventing telephone consultation. You can ask about the services from your embassy or consulate.

Important Points for Specific Groups of Workers

Construction and Industrial Workers

Your salary card serves as your identity card for entering labor accommodation and worksite facilities, so it becomes an important issue for you, not just for payment.

Domestic and Hospitality Workers

In case you work in hospitality or domestic sphere, it is recommended to ask your employer whether your salary card is provided by the same WPS provider as for industrial workers.

Workers of Free Zones (such as RAKEZ)

In case you work in the company operating in RAKEZ Free Trade Zone, your salary card procedure will be the same as in mainland, with the only difference that your employer will contact RAKEZ, not Labor Office, regarding your salary card.

Recently Implemented Changes in UAE Salary Payment Regulations

Recently Implemented Regulatory Changes for RAK Workers

Sometimes the authorities introduce some changes in WPS features such as thresholds, penalties and other aspects of payment procedure, so it may be useful to occasionally monitor official MOHRE channels for any recently introduced changes affecting your protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my balance without application?

You can check your balance by visiting ATM counter, by using SMS/missed call service of your provider, if available, or by contacting customer service of your provider.

What will happen if my employer does not pay me through WPS?

Your employer will be fined and banned from issuing new work permits, you can report the non-compliance in MOHRE.

Can I use my RAK salary card abroad?

Yes, in most cases, since your card can be used anywhere in the world where your card network (for example, Visa or Mastercard) is accepted, although you will be charged foreign transaction fees for it.

Is there any minimum balance requirement?

Most salary cards have no minimum balance requirement, which is one of the advantages of salary cards over ordinary bank accounts.

How long does it take to get the new card?

Replacement times vary depending on the provider, but generally you can expect receiving your new card within one week from notification about your lost or damaged card.

Whom should I contact if my salary is missing or incorrect?

First, you need to contact HR or accounting department of your employer, and in case of problem unsolved, notify MOHRE with your contract and card statement as a proof.

Conclusion

Your salary card is not just another piece of plastic, but it gives you access to all the legal protection provided by the Wage Protection System of UAE. Now you know how to check your balance, withdraw or use your money, how to avoid fees and fraud detection, what are your rights in case of delayed or incorrect payment and where to go (to HR or MOHRE) in case of necessity. Keep this guide handy and use your salary card confidently.

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