Imagine spending weeks preparing your documents for a job in Saudi Arabia, only to have your application rejected because your diploma isn’t properly attested.
Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Every year, countless Pakistanis face delays, rejections, or legal hiccups because their educational certificates lack the right stamps. The process feels like a maze technical boards, foreign offices, cultural missions, and embassies all demand attention.
But what if you could cut through the confusion? This guide isn’t just another list of steps. It’s your roadmap to navigating diploma attestation from the Saudi embassy in Pakistan without the headaches.
Why Diploma Attestation from the Saudi Embassy in Pakistan is Non-Negotiable
Saudi authorities don’t take chances with foreign documents. Your diploma isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s proof of your skills, and they need to verify it’s genuine. Without attestation from the Saudi embassy in Pakistan, your job offer, visa application, or even your Iqama renewal could hit a wall.
Here’s why this matters:
- Legal Compliance: Saudi labor laws require attested diplomas for work visas and profession changes.
- Fraud Prevention: The multi-step verification stops fake degrees from slipping through.
- Global Standards: Attestation aligns your qualifications with international norms, boosting credibility.
Skip this process, and you risk losing opportunities or facing legal issues. But get it right, and doors open—whether you’re aiming for a technician role in Riyadh or an engineering position in Jeddah.
Step-by-Step Guide to Diploma Attestation from the Saudi Embassy in Pakistan
1. Technical Board Attestation
Before anything else, your diploma must get a stamp from the institution that issued it. For example:
- Punjab Board of Technical Education for DAE diplomas
- Sindh Board of Technical Education for vocational certifications
This step confirms your diploma is authentic and issued by a recognized body. Without this, the rest of the process stops dead.
2. IBCC Verification
The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) acts as a national checkpoint. They’ll verify your diploma against their records and add their seal. For 3-year diplomas, this step is mandatory.
Pro Tip: If your diploma is in Urdu, get it translated into English before submitting to IBCC. Unofficial translations cause delays.
3. MOFA Pakistan
Next, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) certifies that the IBCC and technical board stamps are legitimate. This is your government’s way of saying, “Yes, we stand by this document”.
MOFA has offices in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. Apply in person or through an authorized agent like Delta International Recruitment Agency—online submissions aren’t accepted yet.
4. Saudi Cultural Attaché
Now comes the Saudi side’s involvement. The Saudi Cultural Mission in Islamabad scrutinizes your documents to ensure they meet Saudi educational standards. They’ll check:
- Course duration (must be 3+ years for technical diplomas)
- University/board recognition status
- Consistency with Saudi qualification frameworks.
Critical Requirement: Include a verification fee voucher from your university. The Cultural Attaché will email your institution directly to confirm details.
5. Saudi Embassy Attestation
With all previous stamps in place, the Saudi embassy in Islamabad adds its authentication. This is the golden ticket—the proof Saudi employers and authorities need.
While the embassy itself takes 2 working days, courier times and agent processing can stretch this to a week. Plan accordingly.
Image to shutterstock.com
Document Checklist for Saudi Embassy Diploma Attestation in Pakistan
Don’t show up empty-handed. Here’s what you’ll need:
For New Applicants |
For Iqama Holders |
Passport copy |
Valid Iqama copy |
Saudi visa copy |
Passport copy |
Matric certificate |
Matric certificate |
Diploma marksheet |
Diploma marksheet |
Technical board attestation |
Technical board attestation |
MOFA stamp |
MOFA stamp |
Missing even one item? That’s a guaranteed delay.
Common Hurdles in Saudi Embassy Diploma Attestation (and How to Overcome Them)
“My Name Doesn’t Match Across Documents”
Saudi authorities are sticklers for consistency. If your diploma says “Muhammad” but your passport says “Mohammad,” fix it before starting attestation. Solutions:
- Get a sworn affidavit from court
- Request a corrected diploma from your board.
“My University Isn’t Responding to Verification Requests”
The Saudi Cultural Attaché will email your university. If they don’t reply within 48 hours:
- Visit your alma mater’s registrar office in person
- Provide a pre-written response template to speed things up.
“I Live Overseas—Can I Do This Remotely?”
Yes, but you’ll need help:
- Courier original documents to a trusted relative/agent in Pakistan.
- Grant them power of attorney via the Pakistani embassy in your current country.
- Use a registered attestation service to handle in-person steps.
Timeframe and Costs Diploma Attestation
- Technical Board Attestation: 3-7 days (Free – PKR 2,000)
- IBCC Verification: 1 week (PKR 3,000 – PKR 5,000)
- MOFA Attestation: 2 days (PKR 2,500 per document)
- Saudi Cultural Attaché: 3-5 days (PKR 8,000 – PKR 12,000)
- Saudi Embassy: 2 days (PKR 10,000 per diploma)
Total estimate: 3-4 weeks and PKR 25,000 – PKR 35,000.
3 Insider Tips for Smooth Attestation
- Photocopy Smartly: Submit all documents on A4 paper. Saudi authorities reject smaller sizes.
- Track Your File: Get tracking numbers for every courier and office submission.
- Beware of Scams: Only use agents registered with the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Business Council.
Wrapping Up: Your Diploma’s Passport to Saudi Arabia
Diploma attestation from the Saudi embassy in Pakistan is one the important step for a professional who is traveling for work to Saudi Arabia. A Saudi visa can for professionals cannot be stamped without Diploma or Degree Attestation. Follow this guide step-for-step, double-check your documents, and partner with verified professionals when needed. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it costs money. But compared to losing a dream job or facing visa rejection? Worth every penny and minute.
Want someone to help with your diploma attestation in Pakistan? Get in Touch:
Order Diploma Attestation from Saudi Embassy Services in Pakistan
Tips of Jobs Seekers: Overseas Job Finding Tips