HomePakistan Degree/Equivalence Attestation/Verification from Saudi Embassy & Saudi Culture

Why Pakistan Degree/Equivalence Attestation/Verification is Necessary

The attestation and verification of the degrees and equivalence certificates of Pakistan are vital for several key reasons, including:

• Saudi Arabia demands that all degrees from foreign institutions be attested for authenticity. With this attestation, your respective degrees or equivalence certificates will be acceptable to Saudi employers, academic institutions, or government authorities. They thus may lead to certain refusals or postponements of your plans.
• This is necessary for all professionals looking to work in Saudi Arabia. The professions that require specific qualifications include engineering, medicine, and teaching, among others. Your employer in Saudi Arabia needs to check that your qualifications meet the set standards before they offer you a position.
• The students pursuing higher studies in Saudi Arabia must have their degrees or equivalence certificates attested. It simply means that their previous academic eligibility was recognized, and such students will be at par with the entry requirements of Saudi universities and colleges.
• The attestation of educational qualifications is often required for business people and professionals desiring to set up businesses or obtain a professional licence in Saudi Arabia. This step will ensure that your credentials are recognized, legally and for business purposes, within the Kingdom.

Supporting documents required

Other than the primary educational documents, the following may also be required:

• A copy of your passport.
• A copy of your CNIC.
• Previous proofs of attestation or verification, wherever applicable.
• A letter of authorization is needed in case someone else gets the attestation on your behalf.

The Pakistan Degree/Equivalence Certificate Attestation Process 

The attestation and verification of Pakistan degrees and equivalence certificates involve several steps, including, among others:

• Initial Verification by the Issuing Authority in Pakistan: It primarily involves initial verification of your degree or equivalence certificate by the issuing authority. This includes universities and the Higher Education Commission, where authenticity is confirmed to verify that an accredited institution genuinely issued the document.
• Higher Education Commission Attestation: The next line of attestation for degree certificates is the HEC. This government body confirms that the degree has been issued by an institution recognized and meeting essential academic standards. Attestation by the HEC will be very important for local and international recognition. Verification from Saudi Cultural Attaché in Pakistan.
• Apostille: Your degree certificates should first be apostilled, emanating from Pakistan. Both the Countries of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed the Apostille Convention; hence, this has to be an important process in the verification of the documents. All document processing for apostille and subsequent Saudi Culture authentication is to be made through the ‘Mosadaqa’ portal. Without physically going to the Saudi Arabia Culture Mission, use Mosadaqa E-Service to request a follow-up application form and verify your certificate.
• Saudi Cultural Attache: After attestation from HEC, the document is sent to the Saudi Cultural Attaché in Pakistan. The Cultural Attaché verifies the document to attain the educational and cultural standards of Saudi Arabia. This verification is essential for employment and academic admissions seekers in Saudi Arabia.

Embassy Attestation

Generally, if educational documents issued in Pakistan are needed for use in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, both being signatory countries to the Hague Convention, an apostille is required. Therefore, the embassy does not grant any attestation on the same. Since apostille services have just commenced in the country of Pakistan, the embassy might continue giving attestation on the same for some transitional period. This practice is always subject to change, and it is a good idea to stay current with what the exact procedures are. Please note that Saudi Culture attestation is not available for documents authenticated through embassy attestation.