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
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.
