Licensing mandatory for work permits in 40 professions from today

The Ministry of Labor has announced the implementation of licensing requirements for over 40 professions.

Therefore, all employees working in establishments or those intended to be appointed in these professions must apply to the competent authority to complete the licensing procedures for practicing professions, as a basic condition for issuing or renewing work permits.

 According to the Ministry of Labour, the new regulations are part of the National Strategy for Professional Standards, will reduce the presence of unskilled or unprofessional workforce in the market, and improve the quality of services provided to the people and clients.Obtaining a professional license issued by the Sector Skills Unit for the Energy and Minerals Sector is a mandatory requirement for issuing or renewing work permits, effective from September 1, 2025. The Ministry of Labor will not grant such permits until the approved license is submitted. 

The ministry will maintain strict oversight of training institutes and assessment centres authorised to evaluate and licence professions requiring vocational classification. Any licences or certifications not officially approved by the ministry will be considered invalid.

Those found guilty of submitting forged documents will face legal action in accordance with existing regulations.

Some HR executives in private sector establishments told the Observer that these rules will help regulate the sector. They are working to understand the finer details of this decision to provide assurances to their employees.

The decision applies to those employed in the logistics sector, including drivers of refrigerated trucks, water tankers, trailers, waste transport trucks, and food delivery representatives and supervisors, both Omanis and expatriates.

It will be mandatory to obtain a professional practice licence from the Sectoral Skills Unit for the Logistics Sector for the issuance or renewal of work permits.

Both Omani and expatriate work permits will not be issued or renewed without the submission of the approved licence.

Licence applications must be submitted electronically via the official platform of the Sectoral Skills Unit for the Logistics Sector.

Similarly, all current employees in the accounting, finance, and auditing fields, as well as individuals seeking employment in these areas, must obtain a professional classification certificate as a basic requirement for issuing or renewing work permits.

This certificate will be issued by the Sector Skills Unit, licensed by the Ministry, in cooperation with the Omani Association of Certified Public Accountants. Nineteen professions have been listed in this sector, including assistant internal and external auditors, financial assistants, and others.

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