Steps to witness an affidavit:

  • We will check your photo ID to confirm you are the person named on the document.
  • Ask you (deponent) to sign the affidavit at the end of the written statement, in the place indicated on the document.
  • Advise you to now swear an oath or make an affirmation to the truth of the statement and the authenticity of your signature, and your identity.

The deponent to repeat the following words:
‘I swear by Almighty God that this is my name and handwriting and that the contents of this my affidavit are true and correct in every particular , so Help me God.’

Other forms of oath

You may request that they be sworn by some other form of oath as follows:

The following forms of oaths are effective if the consular officer receives an affirmative answer to the question: ‘Are you bound by that oath (or by that ceremony you have performed) to speak the truth’.

Buddhist
‘I declare, as in the presence of Buddha, that I am unprejudiced, and if what I shall speak shall prove false, or if by colourful truth others shall be led astray, then may the three Holy Existences, Buddha, Dharma and Pro Sangha, in whose sight I now stand, together with the Devotees of the twenty-two Firmaments, punish me and also my migrating soul; and I accordingly swear that this is my name and handwriting (or mark) and that the contents of this your affidavit are true.’

Muslim
A copy of the Koran is handed to the deponent. The deponent places his/her right hand flat upon the book and left hand upon his/her forehead and brings his head down to the book and into contact with it. The deponent then regards the book for some moments.
The deponent is asked: ‘What is the effect of the ceremony you have performed?’
Deponent should reply: ‘I am bound by it to speak the truth and I swear (or declare)

Arabic
Some people will only take the oath on the Koran in the original Arabic language.
The deponent places his/her right hand upon his forehead and left hand upon the book. The Deponent then bends down to the Koran and kisses it. The consular officer says: ‘By the ceremony that you have just performed are you bound by your conscience to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?’

The deponent answers: ‘I am’.

Us: ‘Do you swear that this is your name and handwriting (or mark) and that the contents of this your affidavit are true?’
Deponent: ‘I do.’

Administering an affirmation

If the deponent indicates they have no religious belief, or that taking an oath is contrary to their religious belief or conscience, the person may be permitted to make an affirmation in lieu of swearing an affidavit. An affirmation has the same legal effect as an affidavit, but it is not taken on the Bible and does not refer to religious belief.

‘I, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that this is my name and handwriting, and that the contents of this my affirmation are true.’