Why Doesn’t MOFA Accept the Ratification Form in Saudi Arabia?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Saudi Arabia may reject a ratification form due to specific procedural, document-related, or legal compliance issues.
1. What Are the Common Reasons for MOFA Rejection?
MOFA rejects ratification forms when certain criteria aren’t met. These include:
- Missing required documents
Forms lacking notarization, attestation from relevant ministries, or translations. - Incorrect document format
Unofficial templates, handwritten forms, or scanned copies instead of originals. - Unverified issuing authorities
Documents not issued or certified by recognized entities (e.g., foreign chambers of commerce). - Expired documents
Certificates or licenses that are outdated or no longer valid. - Inconsistent information
Discrepancies in names, dates, or official seals across submitted documents.
2. What Type of Documents Typically Require MOFA Ratification?
MOFA ratifies several types of documents:
| Document Type | Needs MOFA Approval | Common Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoices | Yes | Missing chamber attestation |
| Academic certificates | Yes | Not verified by Ministry of Education |
| Marriage/birth certificates | Yes | No prior embassy attestation |
| Power of Attorney | Yes | Not notarized in country of origin |
| Export documents | Yes | Not legalized by local authorities |
3. What Are the Legal Prerequisites Before MOFA Attestation?
Before MOFA attestation, the document must be:
- Authenticated by relevant ministry
For example, academic degrees must be certified by the Ministry of Education. - Attested by Saudi Embassy in issuing country
Without this, MOFA will not proceed. - Translated into Arabic by a certified translator
All foreign-language documents must be officially translated. - Issued by an authorized body
The issuing authority must be recognized by Saudi legal standards.
4. What Happens If the Document Is Rejected?
If MOFA rejects the form:
- The applicant receives a rejection notice explaining the reason.
- Resubmission is allowed after corrections.
- No refund is given for rejected applications.
5. How to Prevent MOFA Rejection?
Follow these steps to avoid rejection:
- Use a certified translation office.
- Pre-attest the document in the home country and Saudi Embassy.
- Verify formatting and seals.
- Cross-check personal and document data.
- Apply through official MOFA portals or authorized agencies.
