Family Visit Visa Question

Hi, Qatarliving.  I'm putting in for a family visit visa to have my 25 year old Vietnamese sister-in-law to come out here and help her sister (my wife) with our baby.  We're about to have a newborn again in a few months and figured it could really help out our situation. 

I have a friend that is going to take our application down to the immigration office.  We've been told that we are only required to bring passport copies of the applicant, wife, and myself.  Also copies of the RP cards, marriage certificate, and NOC.  What I don't understand is that our friend brought their parents (Indian nationality) here without any translation or MOFA certification and have told us that we shouldn't need it.  Has anyone had a similar experience where they were able to get by with what I just listed?  The applicant doesn't have a birth certificate currently and our sponsor told us we could get by without that, but I'm not sure about the other details.

Thanks,

Steve