Latest news with #Omanisation
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
New work rules in Oman: Certification now mandatory for engineering and finance professionals
From August 2025, engineers and accountants in Oman must secure official certification to obtain or renew work permits/Representative Image TL;DR: As of August 1, 2025, engineers in Oman must hold an Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) classification certificate approved by the Sector Skills Unit (SSU) before securing or renewing work permits. From September 1, 2025, a similar certificate will become mandatory for 20 accounting and finance roles. The Ministry of Labour is enforcing the changes through its e-services system and will not issue or renew permits without proper credentials. The aim is to standardize professional qualifications, enhance competency, and bolster Omanisation goals . New Engineering Permit Rules (Effective August 1, 2025) The Ministry of Labour announced that anyone working or seeking to work as an 'engineer' must first secure a professional classification certificate. This must be issued by the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) and approved by the Sector Skills Unit. As of that date, no work permit in engineering will be issued or renewed without it, via the Ministry's online platform. Mandatory Accounting Qualifications (From September 1, 2025 A similar requirement will apply to 20 specific accounting, finance, and audit roles, including CFOs, external/internal auditors, controllers, cost accountants, and more. These positions will require a Sector Skills Unit Professional Classification Certificate for Accounting, Finance and Auditing for any new or renewed work permit. The following roles in the accounting and finance sector will require professional certification: Accounts Technician Assistant External Auditor Assistant Internal Auditor Internal Auditor External Auditor Cost Accountant Credit Analyst Financial Analyst Accounts Manager Tax Manager Chief Financial Officer (CFO) External Audit Manager Internal Audit Manager Senior Internal Audit Manager Financial Controller Senior External Audit Manager Head of Internal Audit Department Chief Financial Officer (CFO) External Audit Partner Chief Audit Executive The Ministry confirmed that no exceptions will be made. Employers and foreign professionals must now apply via the e-services portal and obtain the necessary certifications prior to work permit issuance or renewal. Non-compliance may result in denial of applications or unexecuted renewals. Policy Context: Skill Standardization & Omanisation These measures align with wider Omanisation and professional competency goals, increasingly seen in GCC countries seeking to enhance workforce quality. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Oman's move echoes similar steps in Saudi Arabia and UAE, where accreditation and licenses are required for specialties like engineering, finance, and healthcare. Why It Matters: Upskilling & Local Workforce Integration Professional uplift : Certification ensures that engineers and finance specialists meet national competency benchmarks. Talent localisation : By elevating qualification standards, Omani professionals gain competitive advantages, aligning with Vision 2040 goals. Regulatory consistency : A structured evaluation process reduces permit fraud, improves sectoral accountability, and sets clear guidelines for employers and workers. Local engineering firms and audit practices are reportedly checking eligibility lists to prepare affected staff for compliance. No major backlash has surfaced online, though global recruitment agencies note companies are beginning internal skill audits and credential upgrades. Next Steps & Employer Guidance Employers and professionals should: Identify affected roles: designate engineering and finance positions listed. Initiate certification: request classification from OSE/SSU via official portals. Submit early: allow time for certification, ideally before July 2025 deadlines. Monitor e-services: permit issuance linked directly to certification approval. Oman's enforcement of professional classification for engineers and accountants is a significant labour-market upgrade. With clear deadlines, digital enforcement, and no exemptions, this signals a strong regulatory shift: credentials matter, and Omanisation remains a national priority. By following these steps, employers can ensure uninterrupted operations and compliance; professionals can secure their roles; and Oman's agenda for a qualified, local talent base gains momentum.
Observer
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Observer
Is carpooling an option in Muscat to reduce traffic, parking woes?
Muscat: Muscat Municipality is encouraging travellers in Oman to consider carpooling as a sustainable and economically efficient solution in the field of mobility. The civic body claims that carpooling will contribute to reducing the environmental impact and decongesting traffic, while also promoting solidarity and interaction between people who opt for this type of transport. While carpooling in itself is not a trend in Muscat among road users, the concept of shared taxis was quite popular in the country till a few years ago, particularly among the lowly-paid expatriates who could not afford to engage a taxi for daily commuting to offices and home. The shared taxi concept has seen a decline in recent times, with the growing popularity of app-based ride services and the development of the bus network in the capital and across the country. Other benefits of carpooling include pollution reduction as sharing vehicles reduces the number of cars on the road, which reduces emissions, contributing to the improvement of air quality and reducing the carbon footprint. By reducing the number of cars on the road, traffic congestion is also reduced, resulting in faster journeys and less stress for drivers Co-passengers can share transport costs, which allows them to reduce their expenses, and most importantly, carpooling will help to alleviate the demand for parking spaces in urban areas. Meanwhile, public transport has been gaining acceptance in the Sultanate as Mwasalat carried more than 4,750,000 (4.7 million) passengers in 2024 at the rate of 12,000 daily passengers. The Ferries carried 244,862 passengers and 60,000 vehicles at a rate of 671 daily passengers. The percentage of Omani passengers in intercity buses was 26.89% and 75% for Ferries. The percentage of Omanisation in the company is 94.85 percent. It may be noted that the first phase of public transport in Oman was between 2015-2018, which saw the introduction of bus services on main and secondary routes, streamlining of taxis, and improvement of the walkways. The second phase, which started in 2019 and will end this year, includes the expansion of bus services with new routes, dedicated bus lines, and the provision of new bus stations. The third phase (2026-2040) will witness the progress on the development of the Muscat metro and the introduction of water taxis. According to Market Research Future, the growing popularity of ridesharing platforms and specific carpooling applications can be attributed to their cost-effectiveness, affordability, and ecological advantages. Furthermore, government programs and rewards are contributing to the market expansion for carpooling. The market for carpooling offers opportunities for integrating technology, such as smooth payments, real-time ride matching, and dynamic route optimization.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Construction and engineering sector workshop highlights reform priorities
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion on Wednesday hosted a workshop in Muscat focusing on the regulation, governance and future development of the construction and engineering consulting sector. The session addressed major challenges faced by the industry while highlighting opportunities to drive growth. Discussions revolved around adopting a modern employment approach aligned with future aspirations, enhancing Omanisation and improving the efficiency of the national workforce. These efforts aim to strengthen the sector's competitive edge and support sustainable growth. The workshop also covered the creation of a clear employment framework for the sector and the identification of potential replacement opportunities, with special emphasis on prioritised national activities and professions. Mechanisms for calculating appropriate Omanisation rates were reviewed, alongside proposed incentives to help companies maintain stability and sustainably increase local employment. Other topics included challenges associated with direct employment and the exploration of alternatives such as 'parallel employment'. This concept involves leveraging modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to optimise operations, reduce costs and raise workplace health and safety standards. There was also a proposal to integrate new professions into the self-employment programme, aimed at expanding job opportunities for Omanis and opening new pathways for entrepreneurship in construction and engineering services. The session featured an analytical presentation containing statistical data on employment trends in the construction and engineering consulting sector. It detailed economic activity classifications and the sector's contribution to GDP. The event was attended by Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, as well as members of the Reference Committee comprising representatives from relevant public and private entities. — ONA
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Pharmacist jobs in hospitals and commercial centres Omanised
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a directive mandating Omanisation of pharmacy jobs in commercial complexes and hospital-affiliated in-house pharmacies. A circular (No 167/2025) dated July 13, issued by the Drug Safety Centre under MoH, instructed that professional licences of non-Omani pharmacists and assistant pharmacists in these establishments will not be renewed. The directive takes immediate effect. Signed by Ibrahim Nasser al Rashdi, Director General of Drug Safety Centre, the circular forms part of broader national efforts to enhance employment opportunities for qualified Omani professionals in the pharmaceutical field. 'All concerned entities are urged to take the necessary steps to implement this directive in a timely manner,' the circular said. The circular has been sent to all pharmacies operating in commercial complexes and those affiliated with hospitals. The decision follows the Health Sector Employment Governance Committee's discussions in January with Majlis A'Shura's Youth and Human Resources Committee on key initiatives aimed at advancing employment of Omanis in the health sector, focusing on complete Omanisation of the pharmacy profession in the private sector.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman implements Omanisation policy in all commercial and hospital pharmacies
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – In a decisive move to boost national workforce development, the Ministry of Health's Drug Safety Center has issued a directive mandating Omanisation in all pharmacies operating within commercial complexes and internal hospital facilities. According to Circular No. 167/2025, dated 13 July 2025, all such pharmacies are now required to initiate Omanisation of their pharmaceutical workforce, in line with national employment strategies. The circular clearly states that effective immediately, the renewal of professional licenses for non-Omani pharmacists and assistant pharmacists in these establishments will no longer be permitted. Institutions have been urged to take the necessary steps to comply with this directive promptly to avoid any disruption to operations. The Ministry asked for full cooperation of all stakeholders in implementing this decision.
