Companies finalize salary payment arrangements through Emirates Post outlets

The new rule is effective from January 1, 2008.

Emirates Post has been appointed an approved agent for paying out private sector workers' salaries as part of the Ministry's efforts to curb malpractices, such as late payment or non-payment of salaries.

Companies signing with Emirates Post have two options for salary payouts. Their employees can either collect the salaries from designated post offices or at labour camps through mobile units of Wall Street Exchange.

Abdullah Al Daboos, Director General of Emirates Post, commented, "Emirates Post is pleased to join hands with the Ministry of Labour in meeting the needs of the labour force more effectively. We will charge no fees from the employees. The participating companies will benefit by way of reduced costs as they will be able to outsource the laborious task of salary payment month after month."

Among the companies that have already signed agreements with Emirates Post for the salary pay-out scheme are Darwish Engineering Emirates, Dubai, (6,500 employees), United International Group, Abu Dhabi (4,800 employees), Al Sawaed, Abu Dhabi (4,500 employees), Al Sarah, Dubai (850 employees) and Al Hudaibia, Dubai (750 employees) and many other private companies.

"We expect more companies to sign with Emirates Post. On our part, we have ensured that employees of the participating companies get efficient service. Also, our state of the art IT systems offer full security," added Mr. Al Daboos.

Each employee entitled to receive his salary from Emirates Post outlet will be issued a smart card containing his photo, staff number and personal details. The employee will collect his salary on dates specified by the company.

Apart from collecting salaries, the employees can remit money to their families overseas from the same counter. They can also instruct the post office to send a certain amount to their families and it will be automatically transferred on a chosen date. The counters will also offer money exchange facilities. In future, Emirates Post also plans Mobi-Post, a series of mobile post offices that will be positioned around labour camps.

Companies interested in joining the services have to enter into separate arrangements with Emirates Post. An account will be opened to enable easy transfer of money from the company to Emirates Post. Companies that join the system will benefit by way of reduced burden on staff and full security.