Mandatory Licensing for Work Permits in 40 Professions from Today: Key Impacts on Businesses and Investors in Oman
The Ministry of Labor has announced new licensing requirements for over 40 professions, effective from September 1, 2025. All employees currently working or intending to work in these professions must apply to the relevant authority to complete licensing procedures as a mandatory condition for issuing or renewing work permits.
This initiative is part of the National Strategy for Professional Standards, aimed at reducing the presence of unskilled labor in the market and enhancing the quality of services provided to the public and clients.
Specifically, obtaining a professional license from the Sector Skills Unit for the Energy and Minerals Sector is now compulsory for work permit issuance or renewal. The Ministry will withhold permits until the approved license is presented.
The Ministry will also closely supervise training institutes and assessment centers authorized to evaluate and license professions requiring vocational classification. Any license or certification not officially approved by the Ministry will be deemed invalid. Those submitting forged documents will face legal consequences under existing regulations.
HR executives in private sector companies have expressed that these regulations will help better regulate their sectors. They are currently reviewing the details to ensure clear communication and assurance for their employees.
The new rules cover employees in the logistics sector, such as drivers of refrigerated trucks, water tankers, trailers, waste transport trucks, and food delivery supervisors, both Omani and expatriate. A professional practice license from the Sectoral Skills Unit for the Logistics Sector is now mandatory for work permit issuance or renewal.
License applications must be submitted electronically through the official platform of the Sectoral Skills Unit for the Logistics Sector.
Similarly, individuals employed or seeking employment in accounting, finance, and auditing must obtain a professional classification certificate. This certificate is issued by the Sector Skills Unit in collaboration with the Omani Association of Certified Public Accountants. Nineteen professions in this sector, including assistant internal and external auditors and financial assistants, are subject to the new licensing requirement.
These measures reinforce the Ministry’s commitment to professionalizing the workforce and ensuring high standards across key industries in Oman.
تحليل خاص من عمانت | تصفح سوق عُمان
The new mandatory professional licensing across 40+ professions in Oman signals a significant shift towards workforce quality and sectoral regulation, creating a more skilled labor market. Businesses must proactively align with these requirements to avoid operational disruptions, while investors should explore opportunities in training and certification services. Smart entrepreneurs should anticipate a growing demand for accredited vocational institutes and compliance solutions as these regulations take effect.
Arabic 
English 
Persian