Engineers in Oman Need Professional Accreditation for Work Permits

Since 1 August 2025, Oman's Ministry of Labour has issued or renewed a work permit for an engineer only if the engineer holds a professional classification (accreditation) certificate. The Ministry announced the rule on 15 June 2025 and, according to the Oman Observer, said no exceptions would be made after the start date. We found no postponement or repeal as of 6 November 2026, though we could not check the Ministry's own site.

Who is covered

The rule applies to engineers already working in Oman and to those who will be hired, since the certificate is a condition of both new permits and renewals. Middle East Briefing describes it as applying to anyone employed under the title of engineer, whatever their nationality. In practice the job title on the work permit decides whether you are covered, so employers should check titles as well as qualifications.

Who issues the certificate

Reports agree on two bodies. Engineers apply to the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE), and the certificate has to be approved by the Sector Skills Unit for engineering, then submitted through the Ministry's designated electronic system. One outlet, the Times of Oman, describes the Unit as the one granting it, so the exact division of roles is not consistently described. For the practical order of steps, see our post on renewing an engineer's permit.

Why it was introduced

The Ministry said the aim is higher professional standards, better engineering quality and workforce development. An earlier Oman Observer report from 2022 explained that the system would check academic qualifications through verification partners, assess experience and sort engineers into professional grades. That article described the plan, not the final procedure, and it gave an earlier start date that was later replaced by August 2025.

Do not mix it up with other sectors

Oman has several parallel schemes, each with its own body and date:

• Accounting, finance and auditing: a certificate from a separate Sector Skills Unit, required since 1 September 2025 (see which roles are covered).
• Logistics and food delivery: a professional practice licence, also from 1 September 2025 (see the logistics licence).
• Industry: a January 2026 announcement set phased implementation from 9 February 2026 and full enforcement from 1 May 2026 for a list of factory, technician and operator roles. That list does not name engineers.

What employers should do

List every employee whose permit title is engineer, find out whose permit renews in the next six months, and start their applications early. Without the certificate the permit cannot be renewed.