Oman has added a new regulatory step for foreign workers applying for or renewing work permits in certain professional sectors; as of now, a work permit alone is no longer sufficient for some roles.
Workers must now obtain either a professional practice license or a classification certificate before they can be legally employed.
The change affects professionals working in fields that require specialised knowledge and regulatory oversight. This includes roles in energy and minerals, logistics, and financial services such as accounting, auditing, and financial analysis.
The new rule applies to both new job applicants and those already employed in Oman who are renewing their permits.
New Layer of Verification Introduced
Previously, the process of acquiring a work permit in Oman was based on company sponsorship, labour approvals, and a set of standard documents. These requirements still apply. However, for workers in specific technical and regulated sectors, a new step has been added.
TravelBiz cites that applicants must now provide a professional license or certificate of classification from the relevant authority before the Ministry of Labour will issue or renew their work permits.
This means that job offers cannot move forward unless this certification step is completed. The government has not yet released a complete list of all roles affected, but indicated that the rule covers professions that require technical accuracy or public trust.
Sector-Specific Licensing Now Mandatory
Energy and Minerals Sector:
Professionals such as engineers, geologists, mining consultants, safety experts, and energy project managers must obtain a professional classification certificate before they can be approved for work.
Logistics Sector:
Workers, including supply chain managers, freight handlers, and warehousing or transportation leads, must show sector-specific certification, often linked to company classification as well.
Accounting, Finance, and Auditing:
Accountants, financial analysts, and auditors now need a recognised professional license to qualify for a work permit.
The Ministry has not clarified every job title impacted, but roles that require regulatory oversight are expected to fall under the new rule.
Understanding the Certification Types
Professional Practice License:
This applies to individuals in professions where academic qualifications, membership in professional organisations, or documented experience are required. For example, an accountant may need to be certified by a recognised financial authority.
Classification Certificate:
Usually associated with companies and their staff, this certificate ensures that the business and its employees meet sector-specific operational standards. This is more common in logistics and contracting sectors.
Authorities must issue one of these certifications before a work permit application can proceed. Workers cannot bypass this requirement, even if all other documents are in place.
General Work Permit Conditions Still Apply
Foreign workers in Oman must still meet the country’s existing work permit criteria, including:
An Omani-registered company acting as the sponsor
Labour quota approval by the government
Medical clearance from both home and Omani health authorities
Verified academic or professional documents
Police clearance in some cases
These new certification requirements now add another level of documentation on top of the existing process.
Implementation Dates and Further Expansion
The changes are being implemented in stages:
August 1st, 2025: Engineers are required to submit a classification certificate for permit applications or renewals.
September 1st, 2025: Finance and auditing professionals are added to the list.
Other regulated sectors are expected to be included in the future, although no official dates have been announced. The Ministry of Labour advises applicants and companies to check directly with the relevant sector authorities to confirm whether their role requires certification.
Foreign professionals planning to work in Oman are advised to begin the licensing process early, as the new requirement may extend the time needed for employment approval.
