Managing payroll across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar—can be a complex task due to differing regulations, social security contributions, and wage protection requirements. Businesses that operate across these regions must ensure compliance with local laws while maintaining efficient payroll processes.
At SBS HR, we specialize in helping companies implement Zoho Payroll to streamline these operations. Our team combines HR expertise with technology to provide seamless payroll implementation, customized to each company’s specific needs and compliant with country-specific regulations.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how SBS HR helps companies manage payroll in the GCC region, using Zoho Payroll to effectively handle the unique payroll challenges of each country.
1.United Arab Emirates (UAE): GPSSA and ADRPBF Support
In the UAE, payroll involves calculating contributions to the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) for most citizens or the Abu Dhabi Retirement Pension and Benefit Fund (ADRPBF) for those in Abu Dhabi. These contributions differ slightly between regions.
- GPSSA: Employees contribute 5%, while employers contribute 12.5%.
- ADRPBF: Employees contribute 5%, while employers contribute 15%.
At SBS HR, we ensure that businesses using Zoho Payroll stay compliant with both GPSSA and ADRPBF, accurately calculating and filing contributions based on employee location. Additionally, we ensure compliance with the Wage Protection System (WPS) by automating salary file submissions, making the payroll process effortless for businesses.
2.Saudi Arabia: GOSI Compliance
In Saudi Arabia, both employees and employers contribute 9% of wages to the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). This social security system is mandatory for Saudi employees, and compliance is strictly enforced.
- Employee Contribution: 9%
- Employer Contribution: 9%
SBS HR supports businesses by implementing Zoho Payroll to automatically calculate GOSI contributions, ensuring timely compliance with Saudi labor laws. We also help companies integrate the Wage Protection System (WPS) requirements to guarantee that employee payments are made on time, avoiding penalties.
3.Bahrain: SIO Management
Bahraini employees are required to contribute to the Social Insurance Organization (SIO), with employees contributing 7% and employers 12%.
- Employee Contribution: 7%
- Employer Contribution: 12%
SBS HR ensures your payroll system aligns with Bahrain’s SIO regulations. We configure Zoho Payroll to manage the correct contributions and ensure compliance with Bahrain’s WPS for timely and secure wage payments. Our HR experts also assist with adjusting payroll settings to suit any changes in SIO or tax regulations.
4.Oman: PASI Integration
In Oman, contributions are made to the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI), where employees contribute 7%, and employers contribute 10.5%.
- Employee Contribution: 7%
- Employer Contribution: 10.5%
At SBS HR, we help businesses configure Zoho Payroll to meet Oman’s social security laws. Our team ensures accurate calculation of PASI contributions and provides ongoing support to remain compliant as new laws are introduced. We also assist companies with their Wage Protection System (WPS) compliance as it is implemented in Oman.
5.Kuwait: PIFSS Compliance
In Kuwait, companies must contribute to the Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS), with employees contributing 7.5% and employers contributing 11%.
- Employee Contribution: 7.5%
- Employer Contribution: 11%
We ensure that your payroll system is configured to automatically handle these contributions. SBS HR helps businesses stay updated with any regulatory changes, ensuring a smooth payroll process for Kuwaiti employees.
6.Qatar: GRSIA Support
In Qatar, contributions are managed by the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA). Citizens contribute 7%, while employers contribute 14%.
- Employee Contribution: 7%
- Employer Contribution: 14%
Our team at SBS HR ensures that Zoho Payroll is configured to handle GRSIA contributions seamlessly. We work with businesses to stay compliant with Qatar’s laws and streamline payroll processes, including the Wage Protection System (WPS).
How SBS HR Enhances Payroll Management Across GCC Countries
SBS HR brings extensive experience in both HR processes and technology, providing a comprehensive payroll solution for businesses in the GCC. Our services go beyond simply configuring Zoho Payroll—we offer end-to-end payroll support, ensuring businesses stay compliant while optimizing their payroll operations.
Key benefits of using SBS HR for payroll management in GCC countries include:
1.Tailored Setup for Each Country: We configure Zoho Payroll to handle country-specific regulations such as GOSI in Saudi Arabia, GPSSA in the UAE, and SIO in Bahrain. Our team ensures the correct employee and employer contributions are deducted and filed.
2.Wage Protection System (WPS) Compliance: We support businesses in meeting WPS requirements in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. Our team ensures that payroll files are automatically generated and submitted to the appropriate authorities, reducing the risk of penalties for non-compliance.
3.Seamless Implementation and Support: Our team assists businesses in every step of the payroll process—from initial setup to monthly payroll processing. We also provide continuous support for regulatory changes, keeping your payroll compliant with GCC labor laws.
4.Expert Guidance Across Multiple Countries: Whether you have employees in one GCC country or across multiple, SBS HR ensures your payroll system is capable of handling the complexities involved in managing various contributions, taxes, and wages.
Conclusion
Handling payroll across the GCC region requires careful attention to country-specific regulations, and non-compliance can lead to fines and penalties. SBS HR, in partnership with Zoho Payroll, provides businesses with the tools and support they need to manage payroll accurately and efficiently across the GCC.
Our expert team ensures that your payroll system is fully compliant with local labor laws, social security contributions, and wage protection systems, freeing you to focus on growing your business.