If you run a business in the UAE that hires low-income workers—maybe in construction, cleaning, hospitality, or logistics—you already know how tricky employee onboarding in the UAE can be. The first few days on the job can make or break someone’s entire experience.
And let’s be honest, onboarding can sometimes feel like a scramble: paperwork everywhere, workers unsure of where to go or who to ask, and a million small steps that somehow turn into big problems if you miss one.
We get it. At NOW Money, we work with employers like you every day. We know you want to do right by your people and keep things running smoothly. So, we’ve put together this simple checklist to help you onboard new hires the right way—especially if you’re hiring workers earning lower wages.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What’s legally required when you hire someone
- How to handle contracts, salary setup, and IDs
- Tips to help your team feel safe, supported, and ready to work
Let’s break it down, step by step.
1. Draft and Sign the Employment Contract
Start here. Before your new hire even steps onto the job site, you need to have the paperwork sorted.
What’s required by law:
- The contract has to be in Arabic (you can also include an English version)
- The Arabic version is what counts legally
- You’ll submit everything through MOHRE’s system and both parties sign it online
What to include:
- Their job title and main responsibilities
- Salary and any extra allowances
- Working hours, leave policies, and notice period
Real talk: if your new employee doesn’t speak Arabic or English fluently, it’s worth providing a basic summary of the contract in their language—even if it’s just to help them feel informed and confident about what they’re signing.
2. Apply for Their Emirates ID and Labour Card
This one’s non-negotiable. Without an Emirates ID and labour card, your new hire isn’t officially allowed to work.
What to do:
- Book their visa medical test
- Apply for the Emirates ID (make sure it matches the visa duration)
- Submit their info to MOHRE to generate a labour card
Keep an eye on timelines here. If any of this is delayed, it can mess with payroll and visa approvals.
3. Set Up a WPS-Compliant Salary Account
Smooth employee onboarding in the UAE isn’t just about compliance—it’s also about trust. If you want to pay your workers on time and avoid fines, you’ve got to use the Wage Protection System (WPS).
Your options:
- Use a WPS-compliant service like NOW Money, designed specifically for low-income workers
- Make sure the salary is transferred on time and is fully traceable
Our accounts at NOW Money have no minimum balance, work in multiple languages, and come with built-in remittance tools so your employees can send money home straight from their phones.
Need a Better Way to Handle Payroll? Try NOW Money for simple, WPS-compliant salary accounts that save time. Book a demo to see how it works.
4. Sort Out Housing or Allowances
If your company provides accommodation, make that clear from day one. If not, and you’re offering a housing allowance, that needs to be stated upfront.
Things to clarify:
- Where will they be staying?
- How much is the allowance, and is it included in their salary or paid separately?
- Who do they talk to if there’s an issue with housing?
Too often, confusion here causes unnecessary stress. Get ahead of it.
5. Set Up a Communication Channel
Imagine starting a job and not knowing who to call if you’re sick or confused. For many low-income workers, that’s reality.
Quick wins:
- Add new hires to a WhatsApp group or shared contact list
- Share emergency numbers and explain how to raise issues
- If possible, share key onboarding materials in the worker’s native language
It’s a small step that builds trust fast.
6. Explain Workplace Policies (Like, Really Explain Them)
You might have a leave policy written out in your employee handbook—but if no one actually explains it, it might as well not exist.
Cover these basics:
- Annual leave and public holiday entitlements
- Sick leave and how to notify their manager
- Overtime rules under UAE labour law
- What’s expected around safety and conduct
Extra tip: translate key parts of your handbook into common languages like Hindi or Urdu. It’s a small gesture that shows you care.
7. Help Them Use Financial Tools
Many workers in the UAE don’t have a traditional bank account. That makes payday tricky—and sending money home even harder.
Here’s what you can show them:
- How to activate and use the NOW Money app
- How to send money home securely
- How to avoid loan sharks and payday scams
When your employees feel financially empowered, they’re more likely to stay, show up, and trust you.
Better Onboarding, Stronger Teams
At NOW Money, we believe every worker deserves a respectful, clear, and smooth start. Whether they’re managing room service requests or mixing cement in the sun, every new hire deserves to know where they stand.
When employee onboarding in the UAE is done right, it saves time, reduces turnover, and builds real loyalty.
If you’re looking to simplify WPS payments, set up salary accounts, or just get advice on how to make onboarding easier, get in touch with us. We’re here to help.
