Oman’s Ministry of Labour has declared that, beginning on 1 August 2025, engineers are required to get a Professional Classification Certificate from the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) to continue or apply for work permits.
Requests will be refused without this qualification, regardless of the employee’s present job status.
The condition applies to all engineers, including those already hired in Oman and those looking for new roles.
Engineers are required to complete the OSE certification procedure and possess the certificate authenticated by the Sector Skills Unit (SSU) for engineering to be qualified for a permit.
The Ministry has declared that the 1st August final date is set, and no extensions will be awarded.
A similar condition will start on September 1, 2025, for experts in accounting and finance positions. Impacted roles comprise chief financial officials, auditors, cost accountants, and financial controllers. Persons operating in these positions will require a Professional Classification Certificate in Accounting, Finance, and Auditing, provided and endorsed by the necessary Sector Skills Unit (SSU).
Initially, international experts in these industries were not required to hold a local certificate. A university program and an authentic employment offer from an Omani employer were commonly enough to get or renew a work permit. Based on the Ministry, the lack of a centralized acknowledgement procedure has added to inconsistencies in certifications, skill confirmation, and employment placement.
KEY CONTEXT
The new qualification laws are an aspect of Oman’s wider workforce growth technique, which comprises actions to standardize certifications, increase occupational measures, and motivate Omani citizens to work.
These standards match Oman Vision 2040, the nation’s long-term growth plan to enhance economic development and decrease reliance on international labor in major industries.
Under the new structure, experts must present their documentation via an assigned online portal. The qualification procedure may require more time, actions, and expenses for candidates, mainly people whose work permits are nearing expiration.
WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE IN MIND
Officials state that the qualification procedure intends to ensure that employees have adequate experience and certificates for their positions. It is also planned to enhance clarity in the employment procedure and improve the total quality of service delivery in engineering and finance.
For people impacted by the guideline, the Ministry suggests checking the credential conditions adequately, preparing necessary documentation, and starting the application procedure without delay. People who do not conclude the procedure early may forfeit the qualification to work in Oman legally.
This guideline modification shows a broader provincial adjustment. Many Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have launched or boosted occupational certifying systems in recent years. These programs are formed to increase supervision, enhance workforce quality, and assist national job objectives.
