Well it all depends, if its an oil gas company then most of the times there are euro, american expats working there. So maybe they are strict about such procedures. If its an qatari working then forget about it you are in safe heaven.

I think you can get working visa .. dont quit your job yet until everything is finalized. I think check you local directory to find notorary public, when I was in states i heard that such things can be done at post offices also...

Or what you can do in the mean while is get an online degree from a reputed university. They can give you credit for the experience you have and all so it would be only a year or so that you can have a good degree in your hand. It doesnt hurt to give it a shot. Cos lets say GOD forbid you dont get this one...just cos of this reason you dont want future oppurtunities to pass by...so get yourself a real degree or even if your in australia..u can do TAFE thing...

To be honest the less you tell these people the better..if they ask then tell..if they dont ask ... dont tell anything extra...

good luck