The death of a loved one is an emotionally devastating experience, and when that death occurs abroad, the logistical and legal challenges of repatriating the body can add significant stress to an already overwhelming time.
In the UK, repatriation involves returning a deceased person to their country of origin or preferred resting place overseas. While the process may seem complex, understanding the steps involved can help ease the burden on grieving families.
Understanding Body Repatriation
Body repatriation refers to the transportation of a deceased individual from one country to another, usually to their home country or a place where they wished to be buried or cremated. It requires careful coordination between various authorities, including medical examiners, funeral directors, airlines, and foreign embassies or consulates. Each country has its own regulations concerning repatriation, which must be adhered to, making the process highly procedural.
Legal requirements for repatriation from the UK
Repatriation from the UK involves multiple legal steps to ensure the deceased is transported according to international laws and health standards. The primary legal considerations include:
1. Death certificate
A death certificate issued by a UK registrar is essential. If the death occurred under suspicious circumstances or involved a post-mortem examination, a coroner's report may also be required.
2. Inform the coroner's office to get an out-of-england certificate
Before repatriating a body from the UK, you must notify the coroner in the area where the deceased is resting. This is a legal requirement, regardless of whether the death was expected. To do this, you will need to complete the "Form of Notice to a Coroner of Intention to Remove a Body out of England or Wales". This form must be submitted at least four working days before the body is scheduled for repatriation. This time frame allows the coroner to conduct any necessary enquiries regarding the cause of death and ensure that all legal protocols are followed.
Upon review, the coroner will issue an "Out of England" certificate, which grants permission to remove the body from the country. This certificate is crucial, as it officially authorizes the repatriation process.
3. Embalming and sealing of the coffin
Many countries require the body to be embalmed to prevent decomposition during transport. The coffin is typically hermetically sealed, often in a zinc-lined case, to meet airline and health regulations.
We recommend contacting the consulate, embassy, or high commission of the destination country to confirm the specific requirements for repatriation. They will provide important details and guidance to ensure the process complies with their regulations
4. Transportation documents
Funeral directors, such as Funero, who specialize in repatriation, handle the necessary flight bookings and logistics. They also ensure that all the required documentation, including flight clearance for the deceased, is submitted to the airlines and relevant authorities.
Practical Steps for Body Repatriation
The practical steps for repatriating a body from the UK typically follow this order:
Engaging a funeral director
Hiring a funeral director with experience in international body repatriation is crucial. They will coordinate the entire process, ensuring all paperwork, embalming, coffin sealing, and communication with airlines and consulates are taken care of.
Informing the relevant embassy
As we previously mentioned in relation to the coroner's office, it's also essential to inform the deceased's home country's embassy or consulate. They will guide you through the specific requirements for repatriation and issue the necessary "No Objection" certificate, which confirms that the country has no objections to the body being repatriated.
The consulate can also assist with other important documentation needed for the process, ensuring that everything is in order for the repatriation to proceed smoothly.
Arranging flights
Once all documents are in order, flights for the repatriation need to be booked. Direct flights are often preferred, though connecting flights may be necessary depending on the destination.
Receiving the body overseas
The family in the receiving country must prepare for the arrival of the deceased, ensuring that a local funeral director or authorities are ready to accept the body and continue with the final arrangements (burial or cremation).
What are the costs of body repatriation?
The cost of repatriation from the UK can vary widely depending on the destination, the funeral services required, and the mode of transportation. On average, the costs can range from £2,000 to £5,000, but they can rise significantly for distant locations or if specific health measures or certifications are necessary.
Many families have insurance policies that cover repatriation costs, either through travel insurance or funeral plans. In the absence of such coverage, the costs are typically borne by the family. It’s worth checking whether the deceased had any such policies in place or was covered by their employer’s insurance if they passed away while working abroad.
Cultural and Religious Considerations
Cultural and religious traditions often play a vital role in repatriation. Some faiths, such as Islam, require burial as soon as possible after death, which can complicate arrangements, especially when international transport is involved. To address this, specialized funeral directors who understand religious needs, such as Funero, can assist in expediting the process and ensuring cultural sensitivity.
Choosing the right repatriation agency is essential to ensuring a respectful and smooth process for bringing a deceased loved one back home. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the repatriation process, providing the support and expertise you need during this difficult time.
If you have lost a family member abroad, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We will explain the next steps and assist you in navigating the repatriation process. Contact us at info@funero.co.uk for compassionate and professional assistance.