The government of Oman has announced that from August 1, 2025, all engineers working or seeking employment in the country must obtain a Professional Classification Certificate issued by the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) before they can renew or apply for a work permit. This new policy, introduced by Oman’s Ministry of Labour, is compulsory and applies to both engineers already employed in Oman and those intending to work there.
According to the Ministry of Labour, without this certification, work permit applications will be rejected regardless of the applicant’s current employment status. The Ministry has also made it clear that the August 1 deadline is fixed, with no plans for an extension. To qualify for the work permit, engineers must complete the OSE’s professional classification process, and their certificates must be validated by the Sector Skills Unit (SSU) responsible for engineering standards.
In addition to the engineering sector, a similar policy will come into effect on September 1, 2025, for accounting and finance professionals. Those working in roles such as chief financial officers, auditors, financial controllers, and cost accountants will also need to secure a Professional Classification Certificate in Accounting, Finance, and Auditing. This certificate must be approved by the relevant SSU before any work permit application or renewal can be processed.
Before now, foreign engineers and finance professionals could work in Oman with just a university degree and a valid job offer from an employer in the country. The absence of a unified accreditation process meant that many workers in these fields operated without a formal verification of their skills and qualifications, which led to inconsistencies in job placements and the quality of professional services in Oman.
The Ministry of Labour explained that this new certification requirement is part of Oman’s broader plan to reform the workforce and standardize professional qualifications. These efforts align with Oman Vision 2040, the country’s long-term development strategy aimed at boosting economic growth, enhancing the quality of its workforce, and reducing the reliance on foreign workers in critical sectors like engineering and finance.
Under the new policy, professionals seeking certification must submit their documents through a designated online portal managed by the authorities. The process is expected to involve verification of academic qualifications, assessment of professional experience, and possibly additional tests or training. For many professionals, especially those whose work permits are nearing expiration, this may mean extra costs, time, and effort to comply with the new rules.
Officials in Oman have emphasized that the purpose of the certification process is to ensure that all workers possess the appropriate skills and credentials for the positions they occupy. The government aims to promote transparency in hiring practices and to improve the overall quality of service delivery across engineering and finance sectors. The Ministry has urged all affected professionals to start the application process immediately to avoid disqualification from the labour market.
This development in Oman reflects a growing trend among Gulf countries to tighten professional standards and licensing requirements for foreign workers. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have introduced or reinforced similar policies in recent years. These reforms are generally designed to improve the quality of the workforce, increase regulatory oversight, and create more opportunities for local citizens in skilled professions.
The Oman Society of Engineers (OSE), which will oversee the certification of engineers, is expected to play a central role in implementing the policy and ensuring that only qualified professionals are granted certification. Similarly, relevant SSUs will manage the accreditation process for finance and accounting professionals.
For foreign workers in Oman’s engineering and finance sectors, the immediate priority is to understand the requirements, gather the necessary documents, and apply for certification without delay. Failure to complete the certification process before the respective deadlines will render them ineligible to work legally in Oman.
