The Sultanate of Oman has introduced stricter regulations for expatriate workers entering the country. Authorities announced a major tightening of entry rules alongside a warning of a serious crackdown. The government is targeting individuals who use forged educational certificates or fake professional qualifications to obtain work visas. A newly launched national accreditation system is central to this effort. This system will directly link the issuance of all new entry permits and work visas to verified and authenticated professional credentials. The move aims to protect the integrity of the local job market, ensure a qualified workforce, and combat fraud that undermines fair competition and economic planning.
New System Links Visas to Verified Credentials Only
The cornerstone of the new policy is a mandatory digital verification platform. All foreign professionals applying for work permits must now have their degrees, diplomas, and professional licenses authenticated through this official system. The accreditation process involves cross-checking documents with issuing institutions and relevant international databases. Only after successful verification will the Ministry of Labour grant an entry permit or renew an existing residency. This creates a transparent and fraud-resistant pathway, replacing older, less secure paper-based verification methods that were easier to manipulate with counterfeit documents.
Government Announces Severe Penalties for Fraud
Omani authorities have issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to bypass the new rules. The crackdown on forged qualifications will involve strict legal consequences. Individuals caught submitting fake documents will face immediate deportation and a permanent ban from working in Oman. Their sponsoring companies will also incur heavy fines and possible suspension of their ability to hire foreign workers in the future. This two-pronged penalty structure targets both the employee and the employer, encouraging businesses to conduct thorough due diligence during their hiring processes for overseas candidates.
Aim to Elevate Workforce Quality and Protect Local Jobs
Officials state the policy has clear strategic goals. First, it ensures that expatriate workers possess the genuine skills and knowledge required for their jobs. This raises the overall quality and productivity of the national workforce. Second, it protects opportunities for qualified Omani citizens. By preventing unqualified foreigners from taking specialized roles, the policy supports the broader “Omanisation” goals of national employment. The government believes a verified, skilled expatriate workforce complements rather than competes with local talent, fostering a more professional and trustworthy economic environment.
Step-by-Step Guide to the New Accreditation Process
Prospective workers and their employers must follow a defined new procedure. The first step is for the applicant to create a profile on the official government accreditation portal. They must then upload scanned copies of all relevant educational and professional certificates. The system will process these documents, often requiring electronic verification from the original university or licensing body. Once the platform confirms authenticity, it issues a digital accreditation code. This unique code must be included in all subsequent work visa applications submitted by the employer to the Ministry of Labour, creating an unbroken chain of verified documentation.
How the Changes Affect Existing Expatriate Workers
The new rules apply primarily to new applicants seeking to enter Oman for work. However, existing expatriate workers may also be affected during the renewal of their residency permits. Authorities have indicated that random audits and verification checks could be conducted on currently employed individuals, especially those in senior, technical, or medical positions. Companies are advised to proactively verify the credentials of their current foreign staff to ensure compliance and avoid future legal issues during the renewal cycle, maintaining a clean record with the labour authorities.
Preparing for a More Stringent Hiring Environment
The changes require adaptation from everyone involved in the recruitment process. International job seekers must ensure all their documents are in order and can be verified through official channels. Recruitment agencies and Omani companies must integrate the accreditation check into their standard hiring workflow. They should build relationships with verification services and allow extra time for this step before making final job offers. This shift promotes a culture of integrity and merit-based hiring, positioning Oman as a destination for serious professionals and raising the standard for its expatriate labor market on a global scale.
