Oman Bans Expat Pharmacists in Malls and Hospitals: New MOH Rule 2025

Oman Bans Expat Pharmacists in Malls and Hospitals: New MOH Rule 2025

📢 Introduction: Oman Bans Expat Pharmacists 2025

The Ministry of Health (MOH), Oman, has issued a major regulatory update that is set to reshape the pharmacy sector. As per Circular No. 167/2025 dated 13 July 2025, Oman bans expat pharmacists 2025 in all pharmacies located within commercial complexes and hospital premises.

This move is a part of the national Omanization policy, and it applies effective immediately, halting license renewals for non-Omani pharmacists and assistants in those establishments.

What Does the MOH Rule Mean?

Under this new directive, Oman bans expat pharmacists 2025 in the following settings:

• Pharmacies inside shopping malls and commercial buildings.
• In-house hospital pharmacies affiliated with government or private hospitals.

Non-Omani pharmacists will no longer be eligible for license renewals in these establishments. Institutions must begin hiring Omani nationals for these roles right away.

Why Oman Bans Expat Pharmacists 2025?

The decision to ban expat pharmacists in Oman comes as part of the Oman Vision 2040 strategy. It aims to:

• Empower the local pharmaceutical workforce
• Lower unemployment rates among Omani pharmacy graduates
• Strengthen the national healthcare system with locally trained talent

The policy ensures that citizens get priority in professional healthcare roles across both public and private sectors.

Summary of MOH Circular 167/2025

🔍 Title:

Mandatory Omanization in Pharmacies Located Within Commercial Complexes and Hospital Facilities

🏥 Key Directive:

Oman bans expat pharmacists 2025 from working in:

• Malls
• Commercial complexes
• In-house hospital pharmacies

🗓️ Date of Effect:

13 July 2025 – Effective immediately

❌ License Impact:

Non-Omani pharmacists and assistants will no longer be granted license renewals in affected locations.

Who’s Affected by Oman Bans Expat Pharmacists 2025?

✅ Affected:

• Pharmacies inside shopping centers or hypermarkets
• Hospital outpatient pharmacy counters
• Chain pharmacies in commercial settings

❌ Not Directly Affected (Yet):

• Rural standalone pharmacies
• Government-run public clinics (unless stated later)
• Pharmacies already staffed with 100% Omani citizens

What Should Employers Do?

In response to the Oman bans expat pharmacists 2025 circular, pharmacy owners and hospital administrators must:

1. Audit existing staff: List all non-Omani pharmacists and assistants.
2. Stop processing renewals: Avoid filing license renewal applications for expats in affected zones.
3. Hire local staff: Use MOH channels, job fairs, and pharmacy colleges to recruit Omanis.
4. Report compliance: Cooperate with the Drug Safety Center for audits or updates.

What This Means for Expats

If you’re a non-Omani pharmacist working in Oman, this new 2025 pharmacist ban will directly affect your career. Here’s what you can do:

• Check your license expiry and prepare accordingly.
• Explore transfers to unaffected sectors (rural or private standalone clinics).
• Look for new opportunities in UAE, Qatar, or KSA.
• Consider upgrading qualifications or specializing in clinical pharmacy roles.

Opportunity for Omani Graduates

The Oman bans expat pharmacists 2025 directive opens a massive window of opportunity for local pharmacy graduates. Benefits include:

• High job demand in the private sector
• Fast-track hiring for trained Omanis
• Support through MOH training programs

Pharmacy colleges and training institutes must now ramp up career support and placements to meet this demand.

🔡 What Can Current Expat Pharmacists in Oman Do?

Pharmacists who are currently employed in Oman can continue working until their existing license expires. However, as per the new rule that Oman bans expat pharmacists 2025, they will not be allowed to renew their licenses in commercial malls or hospital pharmacies. Once expired, they must either leave the country or transfer to a different sector or region.

For those looking to continue their careers in the Gulf, there’s a practical option: license transfer. Pharmacists who have already cleared the OMSB (Oman Medical Specialty Board) exam and were preparing for job opportunities in Oman can now transfer their qualifications to the Ministry of Health (MOH) authorities in other GCC countries like UAE (MOHAP/DHA/DOH), Qatar (QCHP), or Saudi Arabia (SCFHS).

How to Transfer OMSB License to Other Gulf Countries’ MOH

Here’s a general process to transfer your OMSB qualification/license to another Gulf MOH:

✅ Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

• Valid OMSB exam result/certificate
• Pharmacist degree and transcripts
• Internship certificate (if applicable)
• Valid passport and photo
• Current experience letter from Oman
• Good Standing Certificate (issued by OMSB or MOH Oman)
• DataFlow or PSV report (if already verified)

✅ Step 2: Apply for DataFlow Verification in New Country

• Use your previous DataFlow report if applicable or start a new verification for the target authority (e.g. MOHAP UAE, DHA, QCHP).
• Some authorities allow report transfer with minor updates.

✅ Step 3: Submit Application to Respective MOH

• Register on the new licensing portal (e.g. UAE’s Sheryan, Qatar’s QCHP site, or Saudi’s Mumaris+)
• Upload all documents, pay the fees, and wait for approval.

✅ Step 4: Appear for Licensing Exam (If Required)

• Depending on country rules, you may have to appear for a Prometric exam again or may be exempted based on your OMSB record.
• For UAE and Qatar, OMSB-qualified pharmacists often get smoother evaluation or waivers.

✅ Step 5: Receive Eligibility Letter or License

• Once approved, you’ll receive a license or eligibility letter to apply for jobs in the new country.
• You can then proceed to visa sponsorship and employment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the new MOH rule about expat pharmacists in Oman?

The new MOH circular (No. 167/2025) states that Oman bans expat pharmacists 2025 in all pharmacies located within commercial complexes and hospital facilities.

2. When does the Oman expat pharmacist ban take effect?

The directive is effective immediately as of 13 July 2025, according to the Ministry of Health in Oman.

3. Does this rule affect all pharmacies in Oman?

No. As per the current circular, Oman bans expat pharmacists 2025 only in pharmacies located inside shopping malls, commercial complexes, and in-house hospital pharmacies.

4. Can expat pharmacists renew their licenses in Oman now?

No. Non-Omani pharmacists and assistants in affected sectors are no longer eligible for license renewals as per the 2025 directive.

5. What are the opportunities for Omani pharmacy graduates?

They can now access more private sector jobs with fast-track hiring, supported by MOH and local training initiatives.

6. Where can affected expat pharmacists go now?

They can explore job opportunities in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or transfer to less-restricted sectors within Oman.

7. Is the Omanization policy expected to expand further?

Yes. Future expansion may cover other healthcare sectors or geographic areas under Oman Vision 2040.

Resources & Contacts

• MOH Official Site: https://www.moh.gov.om
• Drug Safety Center (DSC) – Muscat
  ☎️ Tel: +968 22357111
  ✉️ Email: dscpho@moh.gov.om
  📩 Twitter: @DSCPHO

🔗 Internal & External Links

• Pharmacist Jobs in UAE 2025
• Pharmacy Career After B.Pharm
• Ministry of Health Oman
• Oman Vision 2040 Plan