Latest news with #SectorSkillsUnit
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
MoL clarifies on professional classification certificate for accounting jobs
Muscat: In response to inquiries from entities, institutions, and individuals working in the accounting, finance, and auditing sector, the Ministry of Labor clarified that from September 1, 2025, all workers in the sector, both Omani and expatriate, are required to obtain a professional classification certificate as a basic requirement for issuing or renewing work permits. This certificate will be issued by the Sector Skills Unit, licensed by the Ministry, in cooperation with the Omani Association of Certified Public Accountants, the labor market regulator in this sector. The procedure includes all workers in the professions specified within the classification list approved by the sector. Registration in the electronic system begins on August 1. The registration link will be provided later through the Ministry's official channels. The Ministry of Labour on Tuesday announced that from September 1, 2025, obtaining a Professional Classification Certificate in accounting, finance, and auditing will be a mandatory requirement for the issuance and renewal of work permits for all individuals employed in relevant positions. Accordingly, all current employees in this field, as well as any individuals to be employed in the future, must obtain this certificate from the Sector Skills Unit for Accounting, Finance, and Auditing. The Ministry will only issue work permits upon submission of the approved certificate, under the specified roles. Work permits will not be issued after the aforementioned date without the required certificate. All establishments are urged to ensure compliance and take the necessary actions for implementation. List of Occupations Requiring Professional Classification in the Accounting, Finance, and Auditing Sector 1 Accounts Technician 2 Assistant External Auditor 3 Assistant Internal Auditor 4 Internal Auditor 5 External Auditor 6 Cost Accountant 7 Credit Analyst 8 Financial Analyst 9 Accounts Manager 10 Tax Manager 11 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 12 External Audit Manager 13 Internal Audit Manager 14 Senior Internal Audit Manager 15 Financial Controller 16 Senior External Audit Manager 17 Head of Internal Audit Department 18 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 19 External Audit Partner 20 Chief Audit Executive (CAE)
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
New work rules in Oman: Certification now mandatory for engineering and finance professionals
From August 2025, engineers and accountants in Oman must secure official certification to obtain or renew work permits/Representative Image TL;DR: As of August 1, 2025, engineers in Oman must hold an Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) classification certificate approved by the Sector Skills Unit (SSU) before securing or renewing work permits. From September 1, 2025, a similar certificate will become mandatory for 20 accounting and finance roles. The Ministry of Labour is enforcing the changes through its e-services system and will not issue or renew permits without proper credentials. The aim is to standardize professional qualifications, enhance competency, and bolster Omanisation goals . New Engineering Permit Rules (Effective August 1, 2025) The Ministry of Labour announced that anyone working or seeking to work as an 'engineer' must first secure a professional classification certificate. This must be issued by the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) and approved by the Sector Skills Unit. As of that date, no work permit in engineering will be issued or renewed without it, via the Ministry's online platform. Mandatory Accounting Qualifications (From September 1, 2025 A similar requirement will apply to 20 specific accounting, finance, and audit roles, including CFOs, external/internal auditors, controllers, cost accountants, and more. These positions will require a Sector Skills Unit Professional Classification Certificate for Accounting, Finance and Auditing for any new or renewed work permit. The following roles in the accounting and finance sector will require professional certification: Accounts Technician Assistant External Auditor Assistant Internal Auditor Internal Auditor External Auditor Cost Accountant Credit Analyst Financial Analyst Accounts Manager Tax Manager Chief Financial Officer (CFO) External Audit Manager Internal Audit Manager Senior Internal Audit Manager Financial Controller Senior External Audit Manager Head of Internal Audit Department Chief Financial Officer (CFO) External Audit Partner Chief Audit Executive The Ministry confirmed that no exceptions will be made. Employers and foreign professionals must now apply via the e-services portal and obtain the necessary certifications prior to work permit issuance or renewal. Non-compliance may result in denial of applications or unexecuted renewals. Policy Context: Skill Standardization & Omanisation These measures align with wider Omanisation and professional competency goals, increasingly seen in GCC countries seeking to enhance workforce quality. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Oman's move echoes similar steps in Saudi Arabia and UAE, where accreditation and licenses are required for specialties like engineering, finance, and healthcare. Why It Matters: Upskilling & Local Workforce Integration Professional uplift : Certification ensures that engineers and finance specialists meet national competency benchmarks. Talent localisation : By elevating qualification standards, Omani professionals gain competitive advantages, aligning with Vision 2040 goals. Regulatory consistency : A structured evaluation process reduces permit fraud, improves sectoral accountability, and sets clear guidelines for employers and workers. Local engineering firms and audit practices are reportedly checking eligibility lists to prepare affected staff for compliance. No major backlash has surfaced online, though global recruitment agencies note companies are beginning internal skill audits and credential upgrades. Next Steps & Employer Guidance Employers and professionals should: Identify affected roles: designate engineering and finance positions listed. Initiate certification: request classification from OSE/SSU via official portals. Submit early: allow time for certification, ideally before July 2025 deadlines. Monitor e-services: permit issuance linked directly to certification approval. Oman's enforcement of professional classification for engineers and accountants is a significant labour-market upgrade. With clear deadlines, digital enforcement, and no exemptions, this signals a strong regulatory shift: credentials matter, and Omanisation remains a national priority. By following these steps, employers can ensure uninterrupted operations and compliance; professionals can secure their roles; and Oman's agenda for a qualified, local talent base gains momentum.
