Getting Documents Attested in Australia When Moving to Saudi Arabia – Moving from one country to another often necessitates a maze of paperwork and formalities, especially when the move involves two nations with distinct legal and administrative systems.
When an individual from Australia is moving to Saudi Arabia, one crucial step is the attestation of essential documents.
This process ensures that the documents are genuine and acceptable in Saudi Arabia. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to get your Australian documents attested for use in Saudi Arabia.
1. Understanding Attestation:
Attestation is the process of confirming the authenticity of a document. In the context of international relocations, it signifies that the document produced in one country is genuine, allowing it to be accepted in another country.
2. Which Documents Need Attestation?
When moving to Saudi Arabia from Australia, the following documents commonly require attestation:
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- Academic certificates (degrees, diplomas, school leaving certificates)
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical reports
- Employment records
3. Steps for Attestation in Australia:
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- Notarisation: Before a document can be attested, it typically needs to be notarised by a public notary in Australia. This means that a notary public verifies the authenticity of the document and its contents.
- Authentication by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT): Once notarised, the document should be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Australia for authentication. DFAT will place a seal or certificate on the document, verifying that the signature of the notary public is genuine.
- Attestation by the Saudi Arabian Embassy/Consulate in Australia: After DFAT authentication, the document should be taken to the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate in Australia. They will verify the authentication done by DFAT and will place their seal or stamp, indicating that the document is now attested for use in Saudi Arabia.
4. Moving to Saudi Arabia:
After the attestation process in Australia, there are a couple of additional steps required in Saudi Arabia.
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- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation in Saudi Arabia: Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the document needs to be presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for their final attestation. MOFA will verify the stamps from the Saudi Arabian Embassy/Consulate in Australia and then provide their attestation.
- Arabic Translation: It is recommended to have the attested documents translated into Arabic by a certified translator, as Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, and many institutions require an Arabic version of documents.
Tips for a Smooth Attestation Process:
- Plan Ahead: Begin the attestation process well in advance of your planned move to avoid last-minute delays.
- Multiple Copies: It’s wise to get multiple original copies of important documents attested, as some institutions may retain them.
- Stay Updated: The attestation requirements may change, so always check the most recent guidelines from both Australian and Saudi Arabian authorities.
- Hire a Professional Agency: If the process seems daunting, consider hiring a professional attestation agency. They have experience in navigating the requirements and can ensure a hassle-free experience.
While the attestation process may seem complex, understanding the steps and planning ahead can streamline the experience.
By ensuring all essential documents are correctly attested, you’re paving the way for a smooth transition to life in Saudi Arabia.