Oman Oil, Gas and Mining Jobs: The Professional Licence Rule

If your job in Oman's oil, gas or mining sector is on the Ministry of Labour's list of regulated trades, you need a professional practice licence before your work permit can be issued or renewed. The licence is a condition of the permit, not a separate favour from your employer.

What was announced

The Ministry of Labour announced in August 2025 that, from 1 September 2025, people working in specified jobs in the energy and minerals sector must hold a licence. Reports at the time counted 43 job titles. The Ministry said it would not grant work permits for those jobs without a valid licence.

In December 2025 the Ministry published a further notice that gave employers and workers a correction period until 1 June 2026. During that period permits for these jobs could still be issued or renewed, even if the worker had not yet applied for a licence. The notice said that from 1 June 2026 permits would not be issued or renewed for listed jobs without a valid licence.

Which jobs

The December notice, as reported by the Oman Observer, lists 44 titles. They are mostly hands-on technical and equipment roles:

• Lifting and site equipment: mobile crane, overhead crane, forklift, telescopic handler, excavator and platform operators, riggers and lifting supervisors
• Welding and fabrication: manual and automated welders, plate workers, pipe and tube fabricators, structural steelworkers
• Drilling: drillers, assistant drillers, derrickmen, floormen, roustabouts, tool pushers, mud testers
• Maintenance and machining: mechanical, electrical and instrument craftspersons and technicians, machinists, CNC operators, fitters
• Safety: HSE advisors

Do not rely on this summary for a borderline job title. Ask the Ministry for the exact current list.

Who issues the licence

The licence comes from the Sector Skills Unit for Energy and Minerals. Outlets name its parent body in different ways: the Oman Observer's August 2025 report says Oman Energy Association, while its December 2025 report says Omani Association for Energy and Mining Skills. This looks like one arrangement described with different names. Use the unit's official application route, and check with the Ministry if you are unsure which body is correct.

Is it in force now?

The announced correction period ended on 1 June 2026, which is before today (6 November 2026). I did not find any later notice that extends or cancels the deadline, so the rule as announced is the one to plan around. I also did not find a report describing how strictly it has been applied since June. If you are hiring or renewing someone in a listed job, confirm the position with the Ministry's contact centre on 80077000 before you submit the permit.

What employers and workers should do

• Check each worker's job title against the Ministry's list.
• Start licence applications well before a permit expiry date.
• Do not assume an old permit exempts a new hire: the rule covers new and renewed permits.
• Keep a copy of the licence with the permit file.

Other sectors have their own licensing rules, for example logistics drivers and accounting roles, which the Ministry announced on 1 September 2025. For hiring and permits generally, see our residency and company registration services.