What are my rights if my employer pays my salary in cash instead of through WPS?

If your employer is covered by the Wage Protection System, paying you wholly in cash instead of through approved WPS channels is a problem, because WPS exists precisely to create an official, traceable record that you were paid in full and on time. Cash payment can leave you without proof if a dispute arises and may itself indicate the employer is not complying with its obligations. Your underlying right to your full, agreed wage does not change — but you should protect your evidence. Keep your contract, request and retain any receipts or written acknowledgements for cash received, and note dates and amounts. If you suspect your employer is avoiding WPS, you can raise it with MOHRE, which oversees compliance and can act against employers who fail to pay through the required system. Where the law requires payment in the national currency through WPS, an employee should not be disadvantaged by an employer's failure to follow it. For help documenting cash payments and asserting your rights, you can compare verified UAE employment lawyers on LEXAI.