From September 1, 2025, all food distribution drivers and supervisors in Oman will require a professional license issued by the Logistics Sector Skill Unit of the Ministry of Labor. This regulator step applies equally to all companies working in the distribution sector of Oman, including local, regional and foreign firms, which aim to standardize operations and promote the quality of service.TL; Dr:
- Oman requires all food distribution drivers and supervisors to conduct a professional license starting from September 1, 2025, with electronically submitted applications through the Logistics platform of the Ministry of Labor.
- Licensing fee starts on 20 Omani riyal for job seekers, in which civilians pay low fees to encourage omeani participation.
- Strict penalties are applied to non-transportation, including an OMR fined up to 2,000, imprisonment, exile of unlicensed workers, and suspension of company license for two years, without any detail.
New licensing rules for delivery sector
Oman’s Ministry of Labor has announced a new professional licensing requirement for all food distribution drivers and supervisors. Zahar bin Abdullah al Sheikh, director of professional standards in the ministry, emphasized that the purpose of the measure is to implement the same standards in all operators, which promotes fair competition and increase the quality of distribution services.It is directed that every company will have to obtain a license for its distribution personnel, regardless of the company’s origin or operating scale. Failure to comply will result in stringent enforcement activities.
Application process and fee
Individuals receiving licenses require to apply through an electronic platform managed by the Logistics Sector Skill Unit of the Ministry. License fees for job seekers along with citizens benefiting from low fees are fixed on 20 OMRs, encouraging the entry of Omanis in profession. This digital application compliance streamlines monitoring and ensures transparency in the workforce certification.
Enforcement and punishment
The ministry underlined the severity of enforcement, warning that violars face:
- OMR fined 1,000 to 2,000.
- Conditions of imprisonment between 10 days and a month.
- Exile for unlicensed migrant workers.
- Business license suspension for violator companies up to two years.
No grace period will be provided, strengthening the government’s commitment to regulatory compliance in the logistics sector. Extension of Oman’s compulsory license system for food distribution agents is an important step towards logistics and delivery market formal and professional. Ensuring that all delivery personnel are certified, the government aims to increase service standards, support local employment and promote fair competition between businesses.
Fasting
Q. Who should receive a professional license in Oman’s food distribution sector?All food distribution drivers and supervisors working for any company in Oman, whether local, regional, or foreign.Q. When is the need for licensing effective?From September 1, 2025, no work permit or renewal will be done without a valid professional license for distribution employees.Q. What are license fees and how are they structured?Licensing fee starts on 20 Omani Rial for job seekers, with low rates for Omani citizens to encourage local workforce participation.Q. How and where SWill HOLD applications be submitted?All license applications should be presented electronically through the Logistics Sector Skill platform of the Ministry of Labor.Q. What isWill NALTIES companies or individuals face non-transportation?Non-transportation can result in a fine of OMR 1,000 to 2,000, imprisonment from 10 days to one month, exile of unlicensed workers, and suspension of company license for two years.
