When someone passes away in the UAE, bringing the body back home becomes a challenging process. Unexpected office visits, legal paperwork, and complex attestations are procedures you may not have gone through earlier. This blog aims to simplify the repatriation process and the essential documents that are required.
Repatriation is the process of bringing the deceased’s body, human remains, and funds back to the homeland. It is required when someone living abroad dies there. In such cases, families decide between local burials and repatriation. Repatriation is a long process that often ranges between 1-3 weeks, depending on the paperwork and legal formalities. Deceased’s families have to bear expenses and wait for the body and human remains until the cross-border clearance happens. UAE has become a global business hub where people from all nations come and work. However, expatriates often feel helpless when they are unable to find valid information on repatriation in case a need arises. So, this blog addresses the issue of repatriation and the required documents for repatriation from the UAE.
Essential Documents for Repatriation from UAE – A Go-to Guide
Before starting the repatriation process, all documents and attestations should be completed. In this regard, the deceased’s embassy plays a vital role. From immediate family communication to the flight booking, embassy representatives can help at each step.
An important point to remember is that no embassy bears the expenses of repatriation. They support the whole process and facilitate the repatriation. An embassy or consulate works for the welfare of people living abroad, communicating with the deceased’s family. Additionally, it helps the next of kin to approve the documents faster.
Standard Procedures & Repatriation Documents UAE
After the initial investigation and essential procedures, the police issue a clearance permit for burial arrangements, NOC, and death Certificate declaration. Then, you can get the death certificate by applying on the Emirates Health Services (EHS) website or visiting Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Service Centres.
For repatriation, two versions of the death certificate are required. English version is essential for cross-border transfers and cargo services, while the Arabic certificate is required for local proceedings. That is why the English Death certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE. Moreover, it is advised to request several attested copies of the death certificate to avoid inconvenience. The deceased’s embassy, cargo, airlines, and customs clearance often require originally attested copies of the death certificate. Though it increases the overall cost of the death certificate, it is a mandatory requirement.
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Documents for Repatriation from UAE – A Quick Checklist
Let us have a look at the required documents to transport dead body from UAE
- Deceased’s Original Passport –With cancellation stamp by the deceased’s embassy
- Visa cancellation proof – cancellation stamp on the residency visa by the embassy
- Deceased’s Death Certificate – issued by UAE authorities and attested
- Police Clearance Letter – Permit for burial arrangements
- Embassy’s No Objection Certificate – permit to take the dead body to the deceased’s homeland
- Embalming Certificate – ensuring that the body is prepared to travel in adherence to international standards.
- Cargo Booking – Cargo flight should be booked earlier, as not all airlines facilitate the repatriation process
- Flight tickets and documents – airline ticket of traveller with the dead body and essential travelling documents
Mandatory Body Repatriation Requirements UAE
In strict adherence to international laws and standards, a body cannot be transferred from the UAE until it meets these two conditions:
- Embalmment
It is a mandatory process for repatriation to meet the International safety and Health standards. That is why an embalmment Certificate is required before the final flight. This certificate confirms that the body is preserved under the Global Health standards and ready to fly to another country.
- Coffin Sealing
Along with human remains repatriation documents, coffin sealing is also mandatory. Moreover, the zinc-lined coffin must be sealed and should not be opened before the final destination.
Conclusion
Getting the right advice and consultation often becomes challenging when you are facing a mournful situation for the first time. This blog collects useful information for expatriates and their families who search for knowledge of repatriation. It is advised to get authentic and accredited information from the deceased’s embassy and carry out the repatriation procedure sequentially.
FAQs
How long is the repatriation process?
The average estimated duration for repatriation is 7 to 15 days. However, this period may extend to months in case of exceptionally complex legal formalities.
Is embalming mandatory to repatriate the body from UAE?
Yes, embalming is mandatory and is allowed only at government-approved mortuaries or health centres. Per mandatory instructions, the body must be sealed in a zinc-lined coffin before the final flight.
How much does a death certificate cost in Dubai/ UAE?
The cost of a death certificate varies from AED 60 to AED 80 per certificate. For repatriation, both English and Urdu certificates are required. So, the cost is doubled. In addition, service fees and mail delivery also add to the charges. No one can tell you the exact charges except the designated Dubai Service Centre.
Who issues the death certificate in Dubai?
The authorised authorities to issue death certificates are the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Emirates Health Services (EHS). Moreover, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) in the UAE and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health through the TAMM portal are also responsible for issuing this certificate. Each authority works in a designated region, depending on where the death occurs.