Oman Enforces New Work Permit Rules for Engineers from August 1

Oman’s Ministry of Labour has announced major changes to its work permit system for engineers and finance professionals, marking a significant shift in how foreign and local talent will be managed in the country. These new rules, which take effect in August and September 2025, introduce strict certification requirements that will affect thousands of workers and their employers. Here’s a detailed look at what has changed, who is affected, what steps must be taken, and what these changes mean for pending and future work permit applications in Oman.

Summary of What Changed

Starting August 1, 2025, all engineers in Oman—regardless of nationality or whether they are already employed—must obtain a Professional Classification Certificate from the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE), validated by the Sector Skills Unit (SSU), before they can apply for or renew a work permit. For accountants and finance professionals, a similar rule comes into force on September 1, 2025. These professionals must secure a Professional Classification Certificate in Accounting, Finance, and Auditing from the relevant SSU.

Before these changes, foreign professionals only needed a university degree and a job offer from an Omani employer to get a work permit. Now, the process is stricter and more standardized, with no exceptions or extensions allowed. The Ministry of Labour has made it clear that applications without the required certification will be automatically rejected by their e-services system.

Who Is Affected

• Engineers: All engineers working in Oman, including those currently employed and those seeking new jobs, must comply with the new certification rule by August 1, 2025.
• Accountants and Finance Professionals: Starting September 1, 2025, 20 specific roles in accounting, finance, and auditing will require certification. This includes positions like Chief Financial Officer (CFO), auditors, financial analysts, cost accountants, tax managers, and more.
• Employers: Companies in Oman that employ engineers or finance professionals must ensure their staff meet the new requirements or risk losing work authorization for those employees.
• Recruitment Agencies: Agencies must update their processes and help candidates obtain the necessary certifications.
• Omani Nationals: The policy is expected to create more job opportunities for local professionals by raising the standards and competitiveness in these fields.

Effective Dates and Enforcement

• Engineers: Certification required for all work permit applications and renewals from August 1, 2025.
• Accountants/Finance Professionals: Certification required from September 1, 2025.
• No extensions or exemptions will be granted. The Ministry of Labour has stated these deadlines are final.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Compliance

For Engineers (Effective August 1, 2025):

1. Check if Your Role is Classified as “Engineer”:
   • Review your job title and duties to confirm if you fall under the engineer category as defined by Omani regulations.

1. Apply for Professional Classification:
   • Submit an application through the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) for professional classification.
2. Prepare and Submit Required Documents:
   • Gather academic credentials, proof of work experience, and any other required documents.
   • Upload these documents via the Ministry of Labour’s designated online portal.
3. Obtain Validation from the Sector Skills Unit (SSU):
   • The SSU will review your documents and may require further assessment, such as an exam or interview.
4. Receive the Professional Classification Certificate:
   • Once validated, you will receive your certificate.
5. Apply for or Renew Your Work Permit:
   • Use the Ministry’s e-services system to submit your work permit application or renewal, attaching the certificate.
6. Monitor Application Status:
   • Track your application online. Permits will not be issued or renewed without the valid certificate.

For Accountants and Finance Professionals (Effective September 1, 2025):

1. Determine if Your Role is Affected:
   • Check if your job is among the 20 specified roles (such as CFO, auditor, financial analyst, etc.).

1. Apply for Professional Classification:
   • Submit your application to the relevant SSU for Accounting, Finance, and Auditing.
2. Submit Required Documents:
   • Provide academic and professional credentials through the official online portal.
3. Obtain and Attach the Certificate:
   • Once you receive the certificate, attach it to your work permit application or renewal.

List of Affected Finance Roles (Partial):
– Accounts Technician
– Assistant External/Internal Auditor
– Internal/External Auditor
– Cost Accountant
– Credit Analyst
– Financial Analyst
– Accounts Manager
– Tax Manager
– Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
– Financial Controller
– Audit Managers/Executives
– Head of Internal Audit Department

Key Policy Details and Quantitative Data

• Deadlines:
  • Engineers: August 1, 2025
  • Accountants/Finance: September 1, 2025
• Scope:
  • Applies to all new and existing work permit applications and renewals.
  • No exceptions for current employees or expatriates already in Oman.
• Enforcement:
  • The Ministry of Labour’s e-services system will automatically reject applications lacking the required certification.
• Certification Process:
  • May include document checks, qualification assessments, and possibly an exam or interview.
  • Processing times and fees are not yet officially announced, but early application is strongly advised due to expected backlogs.
• Previous System:
  • Previously, only a degree and job offer were needed for a work permit.
• Rationale:
  • The goal is to standardize qualifications, raise professional standards, and support Omanisation—an effort to increase the employment of Omani nationals in skilled roles.

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

For Employers:
– Immediate Action Needed:
– Audit your current workforce to identify who needs certification.
– Start the certification process for affected staff right away.
– Failure to comply will result in employees losing their legal right to work, which could disrupt business operations.

For Professionals:
– Certification is Mandatory:
– If you do not obtain the required certificate, you will lose your work authorization in Oman.
– The process may require extra time, effort, and costs, especially if your work permit is about to expire.

For Recruitment Agencies:
– Update Processes:
– Change your eligibility criteria for candidates.
– Help job seekers understand and complete the certification process.

For Omani Nationals:
– Increased Opportunities:
– The new rules are expected to make local professionals more competitive and open up more jobs for Omanis.

Implications for Pending Applications

• Applications Submitted Before the Deadline:
  • If your work permit application or renewal is submitted before the effective date (August 1 for engineers, September 1 for finance professionals), the old rules may still apply. However, any application processed after these dates must meet the new certification requirements.
• Applications Submitted After the Deadline:
  • All applications will be automatically checked for the required certificate. Without it, the application will be rejected.
• Renewals:
  • Even if you are already working in Oman, you must obtain certification before your next renewal after the deadline.

Background and Historical Context

These changes are part of Oman Vision 2040, a national plan to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign labor, improve the quality of its workforce, and bring local standards in line with international best practices. Similar moves have been made in other Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where professional licensing and localization policies have been introduced.

Previously, Oman’s work permit system did not have a centralized way to check qualifications, which led to inconsistent standards and made it hard to verify skills. The new rules aim to fix these problems by making sure all engineers and finance professionals meet the same high standards.

Expert Analysis and Multiple Perspectives

Labour market experts see these changes as a major step forward for Oman’s professional workforce. They believe the new certification process will help raise the quality of work and make it easier to check qualifications. However, they also warn that there could be short-term problems, especially for companies that rely heavily on foreign workers. If too many people apply for certification at once, there could be delays and skill shortages.

Professional associations generally support the new rules, saying they will help set a higher bar for technical and financial roles. Employers, on the other hand, are worried about possible delays and the risk of losing skilled workers if certification takes too long or if some qualifications are not recognized. Many companies are already reviewing their staff and helping them upgrade their credentials to avoid problems.

For affected professionals, the main concern is uncertainty. Some may find that their degrees or experience do not meet the new standards, or they may not be able to complete the certification process in time. This could lead to job losses or force people to leave Oman.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

As of July 21, 2025, there are no plans to extend the deadlines. The Ministry of Labour has said it will keep a close eye on how the new rules are working and may make further changes or clarifications as needed. There is also a chance that similar certification requirements could be introduced for other professions in the future, as Oman continues to push for higher standards and more jobs for its citizens.

Official Contacts and Resources

• Ministry of Labour (Oman):
  • Official website
  • E-services portal for work permit and certification applications
• Oman Society of Engineers (OSE):
  • Official website
  • Contact for engineering classification and certification
• Sector Skills Units (SSU):
  • Contact details available via the Ministry of Labour and OSE portals

For legal and procedural questions, international law firms such as Fragomen can provide guidance.

Summary Table: Key Dates and Requirements

Immediate Next Steps for Employers and Professionals

• Employers:
  • Review your workforce and identify all engineers and finance professionals who need certification.
  • Start the certification process as soon as possible to avoid delays.
  • Update your HR and recruitment policies to reflect the new requirements.
• Engineers and Finance Professionals:
  • Check if your role is affected by the new rules.
  • Gather your academic and professional documents.
  • Apply for professional classification and certification through the proper channels.
  • Monitor your application status and follow up as needed.
• Recruitment Agencies:
  • Update job postings and candidate requirements.
  • Guide candidates through the certification process.

Practical Guidance for a Smooth Transition

• Start Early:
  • With thousands of professionals expected to apply, starting the process early will help avoid delays and reduce stress.
• Keep Records Ready:
  • Make sure all your documents are up to date and ready for submission.
• Stay Informed:
  • Regularly check the Ministry of Labour and OSE websites for updates or changes to the process.
• Seek Help if Needed:
  • If you have questions or run into problems, contact the relevant authorities or seek legal advice.

Conclusion

Oman’s new work permit rules for engineers and finance professionals represent a major change in the country’s approach to managing skilled labor. By requiring strict certification, Oman aims to raise professional standards, support local employment, and align with international best practices. However, these changes also bring new challenges for employers, professionals, and recruitment agencies. The key to a smooth transition is to act quickly, stay informed, and make sure all requirements are met before the deadlines.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a broader effort to improve the quality of Oman’s workforce and create more opportunities for Omani nationals. For the latest updates and official information, visit the Ministry of Labour’s official website.

By understanding these new rules and taking prompt action, both employers and professionals can ensure they remain compliant and continue to contribute to Oman’s growing economy.

Learn Today

Professional Classification Certificate → An official document certifying a worker’s qualifications, required for Omani work permit applications.
Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) → The professional body responsible for classifying and certifying engineers in Oman.
Sector Skills Unit (SSU) → Agency validating professional certifications for engineers and finance specialists in Oman.
Work Permit → Government-issued authorization allowing foreign and local professionals to legally work in Oman.
Omanisation → A national strategy to increase employment of Omani nationals in skilled jobs within the country.

This Article in a Nutshell

Oman’s new work permit rules require engineers and finance professionals to obtain mandatory certifications starting August and September 2025, raising workforce standards and supporting Omanisation efforts across the country’s labor market.
— By VisaVerge.com