- Starting August 1, 2025, engineers in Oman must obtain a Professional Classification Certificate from the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE).
- This certificate is mandatory for applying for or renewing work permits.
- Applications without the certificate will be automatically rejected, regardless of employment status.
Beginning August 1, 2025, all engineers in Oman will be required to obtain a Professional Classification Certificate from the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) before they can apply for or renew work permits, according to a recent announcement from the Ministry of Labour.
Applications that lack this certificate will be automatically rejected, regardless of the applicant’s current employment status. The directive applies universally to both foreign engineers currently working in Oman and those intending to join the workforce.
In order to qualify for a permit, engineers must not only complete the certification process through OSE but also have their credentials verified by the engineering Sector Skills Unit (SSU).
The Ministry emphasized that the August 1 deadline is final, and no grace period or extension will be provided.
Upcoming Changes for Finance Professionals
A similar certification mandate will be introduced for finance professionals on September 1, 2025. Roles affected include chief financial officers, auditors, cost accountants, and financial controllers. Workers in these fields must obtain a Professional Classification Certificate in Accounting, Finance, and Auditing, which will be validated by the appropriate SSU.
Historically, foreign professionals in Oman only needed a relevant university degree and a job offer from a local employer to secure a work permit. The lack of standardized credential checks often led to discrepancies in qualification verification and mismatched job placements.
Part of a Broader Strategy
These new regulations are part of Oman’s national effort to upgrade its labor market, enhance the quality of its workforce, and boost local employment as outlined in Oman Vision 2040. The country’s long-term development plan seeks to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on expatriate labor in critical sectors.
To facilitate the process, professionals must submit their documents via a dedicated online platform. The certification process may involve fees, additional steps, and processing time, especially for those nearing the expiration of their current permits.
Key Takeaways for Workers
Officials say the goal is to ensure workers meet the required skill and competency standards, improve transparency in hiring, and raise the overall quality of professional services in Oman.
The Ministry advises professionals to begin reviewing the new requirements immediately and to start their certification process as soon as possible to avoid losing their legal right to work in the country.
Regional Context
This shift aligns Oman with broader trends across the Gulf region. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have already begun implementing stricter professional licensing systems to boost labor quality and support national employment strategies.
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