No Certification, No Permit: Oman Tightens Work Rules for Engineers and Finance Workers

Oman’s Ministry of Labour has announced a major policy shift that directly impacts mostly foreign workers working in the country. From August 1, 2025, the government will no longer renew work permits for engineers unless they present a valid Professional Classification Certificate issued by the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE).

This isn’t just a change for future hires. It applies to:

• Engineers currently working in Oman
• Engineers applying for new roles in the Sultanate

So if you’re working under the “engineer” designation, you’ll need to complete the OSE certification process and submit the certificate electronically via the approved platform.

The Sector Skills Unit (SSU) for engineering professions must officially validate the document. No certificate, no renewal.

No last-minute loopholes, August 1 is a hard deadline

Oman’s Ministry of Labour has made it clear: there will be no exceptions after August 1. Engineers who fail to secure the certificate in time may find themselves unable to legally continue working in Oman. The ministry is urging professionals to start the process early to avoid disruptions.

What were the previous requirements?

Until now, engineers applying for work permits in Oman were not required to present professional accreditation from a local body like the OSE. A degree in engineering and a valid job offer from an Omani employer were usually sufficient for permit issuance and renewal.

This meant that many engineers entered the workforce without a centralised system for verifying their skills, qualifications, or specialisation. The lack of standardisation led to gaps in quality control, mismatched job roles, and limited transparency in evaluating foreign qualifications.

How does this change impact foreign engineers in Oman

Let’s break it down:

Higher barriers to entry: Engineers from outside Oman must now undergo additional certification before landing a job or renewing an existing permit.

Time and cost implications: The new requirement means investing time, effort, and potentially money into certification, especially for those close to permit expiration.

Better job security for certified workers: Those who meet the new standard will be seen as more competitive and qualified in the local labour market.

Push for localisation and skill development: The move is part of a broader effort by Oman to improve the quality of its engineering workforce and promote national talent.

Not just engineers, but accounting and finance professionals are next

This policy shift isn’t stopping with engineers.

Starting September 1, 2025, Oman will roll out a similar certification requirement for 20 job roles in accounting and finance, including:

• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Internal and external auditors
• Financial controllers
• Cost accountants

To obtain or renew a work permit in any of these roles, professionals will need a Sector Skills Unit Professional Classification Certificate in Accounting, Finance, and Auditing.

Why is Oman doing this?

According to the Ministry of Labour, the goal is to:

• Reinforce professional competence
• Standardise qualifications across key sectors
• Elevate the quality of service and output in the engineering and finance sectors
• Align with Oman’s national workforce development goals

This aligns with Oman Vision 2040, the country’s long-term development plan, which includes improving workforce standards and reducing dependency on expatriate labour in certain fields.

What should foreign workers do now?

If you’re an engineer or finance professional in Oman, or planning to move there for work, don’t wait:

1. Check eligibility for the OSE or SSU classification
2. Gather necessary documents for certification
3. Apply online via the designated portal
4. Track processing times and follow up, especially with the August/September deadlines approaching

Looking Ahead

This move marks a significant shift in how Oman handles professional labour. It also reflects a growing trend in the Gulf region, raising the bar for foreign professionals through licensing, skills testing, and national accreditation.

If you’re working in Oman or planning to, get certified now to avoid being locked out of the job market in just a few months.