New Licensing Rules for Energy and Mining Jobs: How Will They Impact Your Business in Oman?
Muscat: On December 7, 2025, the Ministry of Labour issued a notice outlining the list of professions in the energy and mining sectors that require a license to practice. Alongside this, the Ministry provided details regarding a correction period that has been established for both establishments and workers to meet the licensing requirements.
This notification follows an earlier announcement emphasizing that workers in specific professions must obtain a license through the Omani Association for Energy and Mining Skills, represented by the Sector Skills Unit for Energy and Mining. Beginning in January 2025, a crucial condition for the issuance or renewal of work permits for these professions will be the submission of a license application from the association. This initiative is designed to enhance national competencies, regulate the labor market, and ensure compliance with the standards set for these professions.
The Ministry further clarified that:
- A correction period has been granted to all establishments and workers in the licensed professions until June 1, 2026.
- Establishments are urged to expedite compliance with the licensing requirements for their current workers during this period.
- Work permits for licensed professions may be issued or renewed during the correction period, even if workers have not yet applied for their licenses.
Starting June 1, 2026, work permits will only be issued or renewed for workers in the regulated professions if they possess a valid license from the Sector Skills Unit for Energy and Mining. The Ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to these deadlines to facilitate smooth business operations and ensure compliance with labor market regulations.
The full list of professions requiring a license in the energy and mining sectors is as follows:
- HSE Advisor
- Mobile Crane Operator
- Telescopic Handler Operator
- Forklift Operator
- Excavator Operator
- MEWP Operator
- Slinger/Signaller/RNB
- Lorry Loader/HIAB
- Overhead Crane Operator
- Vehicle Marshaller
- Lifting Supervisor
- Appointed Person
- Mud Tester
- Facilities Maintenance Craftsperson
- Manual Welder
- Mechanical Craftsperson
- Assistant Driller
- Building Maintenance Technician
- Automated Mechanized Welding Operator
- Machine Operator
- CNC Machine Operator
- Electrical Craftsperson
- Facilities Maintenance Fitter
- Sheet Metalworker
- Driller
- Production Assembler
- Machinist
- Instrument Craftsperson
- Roustabout
- Facilities Maintenance Technician
- Plate Worker
- Mechanical Technician
- Floorman
- Structural Steelworker
- CNC Machinist
- Electrical Technician
- Pipe and Tube Fabricator
- Derrickman
- Instrument Technician
- Tool Pusher
- Welding Assistant
- Machine Tool Technician
- Fitting and Assembly Technician
- Pipe and Fitting Assembling Technician
Lastly, the Ministry encourages all establishments to comply with the deadlines set and align with labor market regulations. For further inquiries, individuals may contact the Ministry’s help center at 80077000.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent announcement from the Ministry of Labour emphasizing licensing requirements for professionals in the energy and mining sectors signifies a pivotal shift in Oman’s labor market. This creates opportunities for businesses to enhance their operational standards and workforce quality, but also imposes strict compliance risks for establishments lagging in licensing. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should prioritize timely licensing applications and consider ventures that support training and skill development in these regulated professions to ensure competitiveness in this evolving landscape.
