TL; Dr:
- New licensing rules effective 1 September 2025
- Logistics applies to both Omanis and migrants
- Delivery Riders, Freight Movers and Truck Driver include
- Non-transportation may lead to legal punishment
Since September 1, 2025, Oman will require all professionals working in logistics such as truck drivers, delivery riders and freight fields to obtain a professional practice license.This decision applies to all individuals, Omani and migrants, working in the specified businesses listed in the schedule enclosed in various fields.Getting a professional practice license from the Sectoral Skills Unit for the logistics sector is an essential requirement for issuing work permits or renewal for both Omanis and Exciters. No work permit will be issued or renewed after 1 September 2025 without submitting the approved license.
Why this change?
This step is part of Oman’s broad effort to formalize the logistics workforce, which has seen a rapid growth due to the development of e-commerce and infrastructure in recent years. The Ministry of Labor said that the need for a license ensures that the workers are officers of the skills, training and compliance knowledge required to operate safely and professional. According to the July 1 statement by the Ministry, regulation aims to “increase efficiency and safety standards” in areas such as delivery, freight and heavy transport.
Who will be affected?
The decree applies:
- Drivers of heavy vehicles including trucks and tankers
- Delivery riders, especially food and parcel delivery
- Warehouse and Freight Transport Staff Logistics Chain Handling
Whether it is Omani National or workers, all must have a valid professional practice license to legally continue working in these roles. This applies to both employees and self-planned operators. According to the official announcement, there are list of businesses classified under the professional recognition system in the logistics field:
- Refrigerated truck driver (tractor-trailer)
- Water tanker driver (tractor-trailer)
- Tractor head driver (trailer)
- Waste transport truck driver
- Food distribution representative
Penalty for non-transportation
Working in the logistics sector without the required license after the deadline can cause legal action, including:
- Suspension of work permit
- Fines for employers appointing unlicensed personnel
- Potential exile for migrant violators
Employers have been urged to regularize their workforce and ensure that all logistics personnel are either already licensed or nominated in certification programs approved before the September deadline.
why it matters
Oman has preferred commercialization of its workforce as part of its vision 2040 goals. Playing an important role in economic diversification and regional trade, with logistics, ensuring that frontline workers meet minimal standards, road safety, consumer protection and job nationalization are seen as important for efforts. The decree aligns with regional trends as GCC countries have tightened professional licensing criteria in various fields including construction, healthcare and now logistics.
