Latest news with #Omanis
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Professional licence now mandatory for truck and delivery drivers in Oman
Oman delivery drivers and truck operators will require a professional licence from September 2025 as part of new transport regulations/Representative Image TL;DR: New licensing rule effective 1st September 2025 Applies to both Omanis and expatriates in logistics Includes delivery riders, freight movers, and truck drivers Non-compliance may lead to legal penalties Starting September 1, 2025, Oman will require all professionals working in the logistics sector such as truck drivers, delivery riders, and freight handlers, to obtain a Professional Practice Licence, as per the Ministerial Decree issued by the Ministry of Labour. This decision applies to all individuals, Omani and expatriate working in the specified professions listed in the attached schedule, across various sectors. Obtaining a Professional Practice License from the Sectoral Skills Unit for the Logistics Sector is a mandatory requirement for the issuance or renewal of work permits for both Omanis and expatriates. No work permit will be issued or renewed after 1 September 2025 without submitting the approved license. Why This Change? The move is part of Oman's broader effort to formalize the logistics workforce, which has seen rapid growth in recent years due to booming e-commerce and infrastructure development. The Ministry of Labour stated that the licensing requirement ensures that workers possess the necessary skills, training, and compliance knowledge to operate safely and professionally. According to a July statement by the ministry the regulation is intended to 'raise the efficiency and safety standards' in sectors such as delivery, freight, and heavy transport. Who Will Be Affected? The decree applies to: Drivers of heavy vehicles, including trucks and tankers Delivery riders, especially those working in food and parcel delivery Warehouse and freight transport staff handling logistics chains Whether Omani nationals or expatriate workers, all must hold a valid Professional Practice Licence to continue working in these roles legally. This applies to both employees and self-employed operators. As per the official announcement, the list of professions classified under the professional accreditation system in the logistics sector are: Refrigerated Truck Driver (Tractor-Trailer) Water Tanker Driver (Tractor-Trailer) Tractor Head Driver (Trailer) Waste Transport Truck Driver Food Delivery Representative Food Delivery Supervisor Penalties for Non-Compliance Working in the logistics sector without the required licence after the deadline could lead to legal action, including: Suspension of work permits Fines for employers who hire unlicensed personnel Possible deportation for expatriate violators Employers have been urged to regularize their workforce and ensure all logistics personnel are either already licensed or enrolled in approved certification programs before the September deadline. Why It Matters Oman has prioritised professionalization of its workforce as part of its Vision 2040 goals. With logistics playing a key role in economic diversification and regional trade, ensuring that frontline workers meet minimum standards is seen as critical to road safety, consumer protection, and job nationalization (Omanisation) efforts. The decree aligns with regional trends as GCC countries tighten professional licensing norms across various sectors, including construction, healthcare, and now logistics.
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Khuta launches new career tools to guide youths
MUSCAT: The National Employment Programme has unveiled a second package of services on the 'Khuta Career Guidance Platform,' Oman's first national digital platform dedicated to career counselling. The new package includes a range of smart features aimed at enriching the career guidance journey. These tools are designed to help users shape career paths aligned with both their personal aspirations and the evolving demands of the job market. Among the most notable additions is the 'Study Plan' service, targeted particularly at Grade 10 students. It offers them a structured approach to exploring future academic tracks, allowing them to choose study paths based on their interests, strengths, and university requirements. Another key feature is the 'Entrepreneurial Traits Assessment,' a science-based tool. It enables students to assess their entrepreneurial potential by analysing their behavioural traits and attitudes. The platform also now includes the 'Khuta AI Assistant,' which uses data analytics to suggest career and academic options suited to each user's profile—further personalising the guidance experience. In a significant move towards inclusivity, Khuta has launched the 'Career Interests Assessment for Visually Impaired Individuals'—a first-of-its-kind initiative in Oman. This tool supports visually impaired users in discovering suitable academic and career pathways based on their capabilities and interests. These developments mark a major step forward in strengthening Oman's career guidance ecosystem, offering youth the tools and insights they need to make well-informed decisions about their futures. The initiative also supports Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the development of a knowledge-based economy and the sustainable growth of the national workforce. The expanded services form part of a broader strategy to equip young Omanis with the skills required for the jobs of tomorrow, support digital transformation, and enable them to respond to economic shifts with confidence. Since its launch, the Khuta platform has signed up for over 26,300 users by the end of June 2025. It currently hosts 861 academic programmes, 263 professional certificates, and 100 training courses—offered through partnerships with platforms such as Coursera—benefiting more than 2,465 young Omanis. Dr Badr Hamood al Kharousi, Advisor and Head of Capacity Building at the National Employment Programme and General Supervisor of the platform, underscored the central role of career guidance in aligning educational outcomes with market requirements. He highlighted Khuta as a successful model of cross-sector collaboration, developed with support from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, government institutions, and private sector partners. The platform's impact has also been recognised internationally. The World Economic Forum's January 2025 Skills Report cited Khuta for its contribution to empowering youth with future-focused competencies. — ONA
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman to enforce mandatory Licensing for Logistics Sector from September 1
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – In a move aimed at enhancing labour market regulation and boosting professional efficiency, the Ministry of Labour has announced that all designated professions in the logistics sector will require a Professional Practice License starting 1 September 2025. The directive applies to both Omanis and expatriates working in the specified professions across various logistics-related fields. As per the announcement, no work permit will be issued or renewed after the implementation date unless the approved license is submitted. License applications must be submitted electronically through the Sectoral Skills Unit's official platform for the logistics sector via The Ministry has emphasized that establishments not complying with this mandate will face legal and administrative consequences, and that the decision is binding on all businesses and individuals operating in the Sultanate's logistics sector. This step forms part of the Ministry's ongoing effort to ensure that professions are practiced according to approved standards and to strengthen the Sultanate's workforce capabilities.
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches new phase of industry-academia skills programme
Muscat – Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) has launched the sixth phase of the Eidaad programme – aimed at deepening collaboration between industry and academia – in cooperation with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and higher education institutions. Eidaad is a national internship initiative offering one-year placements for university students in leading companies across the sultanate. The programme focuses on applied learning in fields aligned with market needs, equipping participants with technical expertise, communication skills and professional competencies suited for Oman's evolving economy. The sixth phase was formalised on Monday with a signing ceremony at Arab Open University. The agreement was signed by representatives of MoHERI, PDO, academic institutions and private sector partners. Speaking at the event, H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, said the programme is part of efforts to align education with Oman Vision 2040 goals. 'Enabling Omani youth by nurturing their capabilities and skills to better prepare them for the rapidly changing job market is one of the strategic goals of Vision 2040.' Hamed al Hadhrami, External Learning and Development Manager at PDO, described the initiative as a national effort to align academic outcomes with real-world demands. 'It is key that we continue to work together to align academic outputs with industry needs and enhance curriculum development to address industry challenges,' he said. Since its inception in 2020, over 1,000 students have graduated from the Eidaad programme. In the current phase, more than 400 students from across Oman's higher education institutions are expected to be placed in over 40 companies spanning various sectors. Farid al Harthy, PDO's Executive Director of Business Support, said the initiative reflects the company's wider transformation strategy. 'Eidaad is a tangible example of PDO's Journey of Transformation, 'ForOman'. By equipping young Omanis with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a changing world, we're helping to build a resilient, knowledge-based economy.' To support ongoing development, the programme has also enhanced its mapping module, providing students and academic advisors with information on career options linked to their academic specialisations. The module is part of efforts to help students make informed career decisions while strengthening their readiness for the modern workforce.
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Over 1.5 million Omanis get social protection
Muscat: More than 1.53 million individuals across various categories have benefited from Social Protection Fund in the country, reflecting the government's continued commitment to inclusive welfare under Oman Vision 2040. The SPF indicated that the largest share of beneficiaries were children, with numbers reaching 1,243,781. Senior citizens accounted for 173,324 beneficiaries, while 47,579 people with disabilities also received assistance under the fund's social protection umbrella. The report further highlights that 16,777 individuals received the job security allowance – a safety net designed to protect Omani workers from sudden income loss. 56,808 beneficiaries received 'family income support', with 36,632 specifically receiving family income support and 20,176 applications processed under the social security payment scheme. Additionally, 16,041 widows and orphans were covered by dedicated support programmes. In terms of social insurance, the Fund reported 141,000 active pensions disbursed as of June 2025. The report also highlighted a positive trend in contributions, with over 594,000 Omanis signing up for the insurance. The Social Protection Fund has paved the way for implementing the provisions of the Social Protection Law since the beginning of 2024. Steps in this direction include setting up branches of social insurance and social protection schemes that establish pillars for the protection of individuals and family members against multiple risks in life within the framework of a future vision for comprehensive social protection. Over 1.5 million Omanis get social protection Direct cash benefits are disbursed to those eligible across different segments of society. The schemes are fully funded by the state's public treasury, which saw the introduction of schemes to persons with disabilities, children, the elderly, orphans and widows. The Social Protection Fund has been linked with 12 government institutions during 2024. The system represents a very advanced step in extending protection to Omani citizens. It reflects the deep attention accorded to the social aspects by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, in accordance with what is included in the Basic Law of the State and Oman Vision 2040. GRAPH POINT WITH PHOTO 1,243,781 children 173,324 Senior citizens 47,579 people with disabilities 16,777 Job security allowance 594,000 Insurance subscribers 36,632 Family income support
