• The program was launched at the Cards and Payments Middle East 2016 convention
• With a suite of benefits that were earlier enjoyed by banked customers alone, Hafed aims to support the UAE government’s vision of efficient services and happy communities

Dubai, UAE, June 1, 2016:  Mint Middle East LLC - the leading payroll card service provider based in the United Arab Emirates - announced the launch of ‘Hafed’ payroll program at the Cards and Payments Middle East convention. The program is supported by the issuance of the first EMV contactless chip-based UnionPay International salary cards in the UAE and GCC announced earlier this year. 

Aimed at enhancing the financial and digital inclusion of unbanked domestic workers in the region, Hafed extends the security and benefits of Wage Protection System (WPS) program salary cards to its beneficiaries. It also provides significantly improved experience to its card holders by offering best in-class ecommerce, financial, banking, and insurance services through an omni-channel experience, covering online and mobile touchpoints, thereby servicing transactions seamlessly and with increased efficiency.  

'We are committed to harnessing technology and timely feedback in devising unparalleled products and services for our customers,” says Abdul Razzak Al Abdullah, Chairman of Mint, who believes that the new program supplements the UAE government’s efforts in assimilating technology in societies and delivering satisfaction. “Hafed will extend the WPS salary card benefits to domestic workers, thereby bridging the gap by enabling them to enjoy the same benefits and experiences. Mint is dedicated towards supporting the UAE’s broader initiative of employing technology, making services efficient, and building happy communities across the country.” 

Hafed: features and benefits

Wage Protection System, developed by the Central Bank of UAE to record and guarantee timely and full-payment of agreed-upon wages, has been strongly supported by organizations such as Mint by virtue of new card issuances and programs, including Hafed – which will pave the way for economic freedom for workers under-served by the banking landscape. The program will comprehensively address the financial needs of the cardholder, right from payday to daily financial transactions. To deliver incentive-based offers so far enjoyed by customers of banks alone, Hafed members will be entitled to a suite of value-added services including regular and enticing merchant offers and discounts from around the world.

Other features enhancing customer experience include zero-fee for cardholders, multiple language support at Mint CDMs, and free pay slips once every month amongst others. Corporates benefit from free installation and management of private CDMs on every 2000 employees in the private premises of the employers, and free internet banking for all the corporates to manage their payroll related activities.

Partnering with UPI

To run Hafed with operational and technological synergy, Mint has partnered with key financial entities, including Union Pay International (UPI). In March this year, Mint boosted its presence in the electronic payments solutions sector after announcing the issuance of its first EMV Chip-based ‘UnionPay International Salary Card’ in the GCC. This set the platform for Mint to provide more than 400,000 workers with electronic payments functionality and other value-added services by employing smart phone and mobile application technology. The partnership also aided global withdrawal, global Point of Sales (POS) purchases, as well as global access to competitive financial services. 

Mint currently has a customer base of over 400,000 salary cardholders and is processing a volume of over 400 million Dirhams each month in association with its banking partners. Mint, in association with financial institutions, provides micro credits at affordable rates and assists workers to choose the right savings and insurance products.