Muscat – More than 8,000 food delivery workers in Oman are operating illegally for companies that are not licensed to provide delivery services, according to Khalid al Siyabi, CEO of Oman Logistics Association (OLA).

In an interview with a local radio station, he said new regulations governing the sector require all workers to be transferred to authorised delivery companies.

Siyabi stated that there are currently 31 licensed food delivery companies in the sultanate. He explained that specialised training programmes have been introduced for motorcycle delivery drivers and that companies must issue professional licences for drivers and supervisors.

The role of food delivery supervisor is reserved for Omanis, while expatriates may only work as motorcycle delivery drivers. The association is coordinating with Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Labour to implement the regulations.

The Ministry of Labour has stated that the regulations are part of its efforts to organise the labour market and ensure that professions are practised in line with approved standards. It has announced that a Professional Practice Licence is mandatory for all designated professions within the logistics sector since September 1, 2025.

The requirement applies to all workers – Omanis and expatriates – in professions listed by the Ministry of Labour. Issued by the Sectoral Skills Unit for the logistics sector, the licence is required for the issuance or renewal of work permits. Since September 1, no work permit has been processed without the approved licence.

The ministry stated that businesses failing to comply face legal and administrative penalties. It added that the licence regulation is binding on all companies and individuals currently working or intending to work in the specified professions.