Oman Introduces Mandatory Qualification Verification for Expat Workers

The Omani government has announced that all expatriate workers will now be required to have their academic and professional qualifications verified before entering the country. The new rule aims to regulate the labor market, prevent fraudulent credentials, and improve workforce quality, according to Gulf News.

Under the initiative, expatriates seeking employment in regulated professions—including engineering, logistics, and accounting—must obtain prior approval from the relevant skills units in Oman. Their educational and professional certificates will be assessed, and only those who receive approval will be issued a Work Practice License. Without this license, entry permits will not be granted.

Jaheer bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, Director of the Professional Standards Department at the Ministry of Labour, explained that the new system addresses recent incidents of forged licenses and certificates, which violate Omani law. Both workers and employers are responsible for ensuring the authenticity of documents and obtaining approval from authorized institutions.

Violations of the rules could result in fines, license cancellations, deportation, and legal action. Employers found complicit in fraudulent practices may also face penalties.