Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the number of people of Indian origin who died abroad while working there during the last three years and this year, year-wise and country-wise;
(b) whether the process of bringing back their bodies is tedious;
(c) if so, whether this Government proposes to simplify the process; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) Country-wise details of the number of people of Indian origin who died while abroad, during the last three years and this year, are attached at ‘Annexure’.
(b) to (d) For the purpose of bringing back the mortal remains of an Indian national, registration of death at the concerned Indian Mission/Post is necessary, for which normally the following documents are required:
- Medical report / death certificate issued from a hospital;
- Copy of detailed police report (with English translation, if report is in some other language), in case of accidental or unnatural death;
- Consent letter from next of kin of the deceased for local cremation / burial / transportation of mortal remains, duly attested by a notary;
- Copy of passport and visa pages;
In addition to the above, other documents such as clearance and arrangements for embalming of mortal remains, clearance from local immigration/customs department, etc are required. These procedures may differ from country to country.
While there is no undue delay in cases of natural deaths, the time taken in transporting the mortal remains to India is longer in the case of unnatural deaths, because of local procedures involved in those countries for investigating the cause of death.
Our Missions/Posts remain in constant touch with the concerned foreign Governments to expedite procedures for the repatriation of mortal remains to India.