Combating coronavirus: India allows repatriation of dead bodies subject to compliance with Covid-19 rules

Abu Dhabi - The dead bodies can be permitted only if procedures of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are followed.

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday, April 25, clarified the procedures that must be followed at airports for immigration clearance of dead bodies from abroad.
The Foreigners Division of the ministry, in a fresh order to the Bureau of Immigration, stated that the dead bodies can be permitted only if procedures of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are followed.
"Immigration functions in respect of the arrival of dead bodies and mortal remains of Indian nationals/OCI cardholders are permitted, subject to strict adherence to the guidelines/instructions issued by various ministries and government departments related with management of Covid-19 and submission of no objection/approval/concurrence from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of External Affairs in this regard," the new order said.
The latest development comes a day after Khaleej Times reported about three dead bodies of UAE-based Indian expats that were returned from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, for lack of necessary documents.
The deaths of the three expats were not related to Covid-19. The bodies were also flown with death certificates issued by local authorities and necessary documents from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
The remains were flown out on Thursday from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi but were returned following another order, stating immigration check posts across Indian airports were closed except for crew members of cargo and evacuation flights.
Officials from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi are working with ministries concerned to sort out the matter.
An official said the three bodies that are currently in a mortuary in Abu Dhabi will be repatriated within two days.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com