MUSCAT – This directive, effective from September 1, 2025, will apply to both the issuance and renewal of work permits for relevant positions across the Sultanate.

The certificate must be obtained from the Sector Skills Unit for Accounting, Finance, and Auditing, and will serve as a prerequisite for the Ministry to process any work permit applications or renewals in the designated occupations.

The Ministry’s announcement, targeting all establishments and professionals in the accounting, finance, and auditing sector states the following: “As of 1 September 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, as listed in the attached document.

“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, in accordance with 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.”
The list of occupations requiring professional classification in the accounting, finance, and auditing sector are:
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)