Oman’s Ministry of Labour has announced a significant policy change affecting international professionals, especially those already employed in the Sultanate. Beginning 1 August 2025, engineers will no longer be able to renew their work permits unless they provide a valid Professional Classification Certificate issued by the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE).
This requirement applies not only to new applicants but also to engineers currently working in Oman. If you hold an engineering role, you must complete the certification process and upload the approved document via the designated online platform.
The certificate must be formally validated by the Sector Skills Unit (SSU) for engineering occupations. Without this document, work permit renewal will not be possible.
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August Deadline: No Exceptions After Cut-Off
The Ministry of Labour has clarified that no extensions or exceptions will be granted after the August deadline. Engineers who fail to obtain their certification in time risk losing their legal right to work in Oman.
Previous Work Permit Conditions
Previously, engineers could obtain a work permit with just a degree and a valid job offer from an Omani employer. There was no requirement for accreditation from a local professional body like the OSE.
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This lack of regulation created inconsistencies in job quality, allowed mismatches between qualifications and job roles, and made it difficult to verify international credentials.
How the Change Affects International Engineers
Here’s what this new rule means for foreign professionals:
- Higher Entry Barriers: Engineers must now meet additional qualification criteria before securing or renewing jobs.
- Time and Cost Impact: Certification will require effort and possibly financial investment, especially for those with expiring permits.
- Greater Job Security for Certified Engineers: Those who comply with the new rule may enjoy improved employability and status in the local job market.
- Support for Localisation Goals: The move supports Oman’s long-term strategy to raise professional standards and promote national talent development.
Finance and Accounting Professionals Are Next
The policy doesn’t stop with engineers. Beginning 1 September 2025, Oman will implement a similar certification requirement for 20 job roles in finance and accounting, including:
- Cost Accountants
- Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
- Financial Controllers
- Internal and External Auditors
Professionals in these fields will need a Sector Skills Unit Professional Classification Certificate in Accounting, Auditing, and Finance to obtain or renew work permits.
Why Oman Is Enforcing These Rules
According to the Ministry of Labour, the objectives are to:
- Enhance skills and workforce quality
- Standardise professional certification
- Improve service delivery in key sectors
- Align with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes workforce excellence and reduced dependence on expatriate labour
What International Professionals Should Do Now
If you’re working in Oman—or planning to move there for a role in engineering or finance—take these steps now:
- Check your eligibility for the relevant certification via OSE or SSU.
- Gather all required documents for the certification process.
- Apply online using the official government portal.
- Monitor application status closely, especially with the tight deadlines in August and September.
This policy shift underscores a broader trend across the Gulf: raising standards for foreign professionals through regulated qualifications and skills validation.
