On September 1, 2025, Oman began enforcing professional licensing for all food delivery drivers and supervisors. The rule, issued by the Ministry of Labour’s logistics sector skills unit, applied to every company operating in the country—local, regional, and foreign. The goal was to raise service quality, standardize operations, and ensure fair competition across the growing delivery market.
Zaher bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, Director of Professional Standards at the Ministry, said the initiative aimed to build a skilled and competitive workforce. “This system supports national goals for a stronger logistics sector and better consumer protection,” he explained.
Application process and fees
Workers were required to apply electronically through the Ministry’s logistics platform. The licensing fee was 20 Omani rials for job seekers, while Omani nationals paid a reduced rate. This approach encouraged local participation and made applications faster and more transparent.
Enforcement and penalties
Authorities took a strict stance on enforcement. Those operating without a valid licence faced fines between OMR 1,000 and 2,000, imprisonment from 10 days to one month, or deportation for unlicensed expatriate workers. In addition, violating companies risked suspension of their commercial licences for up to two years, with no grace period allowed.
Overall, Oman’s new licensing system transformed the delivery industry. It improved service reliability, protected consumers, and opened more opportunities for Omani job seekers. The move also demonstrated the government’s commitment to regulating the logistics sector effectively and promoting professionalism within it.
