Muscat: The rule applies to all companies—local, regional, and foreign—with no exceptions. Firms that fail to comply face fines of up to OMR 2,000, licence suspensions, and even jail terms for violators. Unlicensed workers risk deportation.
The decision, which requires delivery professionals to obtain a professional license, aims to regulate the logistics sector and ensure fair competition.
In a statement to Atheer, Zaher bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, Director of Professional Standards Department at the Ministry of Labour, confirmed that the ministry, in cooperation with the Labor Market Regulatory Committee and the Oman Logistics Association, is facilitating the necessary licensing procedures for companies.
The decision mandates that work permits for both food delivery representatives and supervisors will not be issued or renewed unless they have a professional license approved by the Sector Skills Unit for the Logistics Sector.
Zaher Sheikh pointed out that all companies, regardless of their size or market position, must comply with the new rule. “The established standards are uniform and apply to all companies… promoting the principle of equal opportunity,” he told Atheer.
He also stressed that there would be no extension or postponement of the September 1 deadline. This strict enforcement is intended to “contribute to market discipline and support fair competition.” The directive applies to all companies operating in Oman, including foreign and Gulf companies, ensuring a level playing field and preventing unregulated practices.
The licensing process involves submitting an electronic application through the Skills Unit platform for the Logistics Sector of the Ministry of Labor. Licensing fees for Omani job seekers start at RO 20, with lower fees for citizens compared to expatriates to encourage their participation in these professions.
The new regulations also include strict penalties for non-compliance. Violations can result in fines ranging from RO 1,000 to RO 2,000, and imprisonment from ten days to one month. Penalties also include the deportation of the non-compliant worker and the suspension of a company’s license for up to two years.
It may be recalled that the Ministry announced this decision on July 22, 2025, mandating professional licences for food delivery workers, truck drivers and others.
The Arabian Stories had reported that this decision – which applies to both Omani and expatriate workers in designated roles – is part of the Ministry’s efforts to regulate the labour market, enhance the efficiency of the workforce in Oman, and ensure that professions are practiced in accordance with approved professional standards.
The Ministry had stressed that 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. “Accordingly, starting from 1 September 2025, no work permit will be issued or renewed without the license, and non-compliant establishments will bear the legal and administrative consequences in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” the Ministry had stated.
The licensing process must be completed electronically via the official SSU platform at https://lssu.ola.om/sign-up.
Professions Requiring Licensing:
Food Delivery Supervisor
“This announcement is binding on all establishments operating in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as all individuals (Omanis and expatriates) currently practicing or intending to practice the covered professions. Compliance with this directive is a fundamental condition for continuing to practice these professions within the Sultanate of Oman,” the Ministry explained.
Refrigerated Truck Driver (Tractor-Trailer)
Water Tanker Driver (Tractor-Trailer)
Tractor Head Driver (Trailer)
Waste Transport Truck Driver
Food Delivery Representative
