This is to inform you that the Ministry of Labour has issued a directive on 4 August 2025, introducing mandatory professional licensing for certain professions in Oman.
The main areas affected are Engineering, Accounting and Technical/Vocational (in different sectors). Although Engineering and Accounting are mandatory from 1st September 2025, we have been notified that the implementation for vocational/technical has been deferred to an unspecified date in 2026.
To help you for your future HR planning, we outline the sectors and procedures below.
This requirement applies to both Omani and expatriate employees seeking certain professional or technical/vocational work permits across many sectors, including energy and minerals, logistics, accounting, finance, auditing, and engineering. The list of covered professions is attached for your reference.
To issue or renew a work permit, individuals must obtain either a Professional Practice License or a Professional Classification Certificate, as mandated by the relevant Sector Skills Unit.
Sectors and Key Procedures:
Engineering Sector
- Register via the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) portal.
- Upload academic and professional certificates.
- Certificate issued upon approval.
Apply here
Accounting, Finance & Auditing Sector
- Register via the Oman Association of Certified Public Accountants (OACPA) platform.
- Upload degree and proof of experience.
- Certificate issued upon approval.
Apply here
Technical/Vocational Professions (The list as per the below image)
- Register via the Ministry of Labour portal.
- Upload qualifications or documented experience.
- Certificate issued upon approval.
Apply here
Key Points:
- It’s the employees’ responsibility to obtain the certificates, guided by their employees (Bondoni is unable to provide any assistance)
- Applies to both new hires and existing employees.
- Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before visa renewal for existing employees.
- Employers must note that the certificates need to be obtained before a new employee can be registered with the MOL
- New hires must obtain the certificate before contract submission to the MOL
- Applications are submitted only through mol.gov.om.
- The evaluation process may include assessments and is usually completed within 15–20 working days for technical professions mentioned in the attachment.
- A government fee may apply while registering in the portal.
Implementation Timeline:
- Engineering & Accounting professionals: Registration active now.
- Technical & vocational professions: Effective 2026 (details pending).
- We encourage management to ensure employees complete this process early to prevent delays in visa issuance or renewal.
Once we receive any further updates regarding the implementation dates for technical/vocational and other amendments we will let you know.