Abu Dhabi: Bereaved families of Indian expatriates in the UAE can now track the mortal remains of their loved ones through a new online tracking system.
The system, recently announced by the Government of India, can be accessed on the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs website (www.owrc.in).
Users will be asked to key in information about themselves and the deceased person. They will receive a unique application reference number (ARN). Once the request is processed, the applicant will receive regular updates about the body’s status via SMS and email. Families can track the progress via the ARN.
An embassy official said that the system is already up and running, and the embassy will deal with all online requests. “Once a request is keyed in, we will update the system daily on the status of the repatriation process,” he said.
“Our feedback will help families understand the reasons if there are any delays at any point,” he added.
But missions in the UAE have yet to receive an online request since the system was introduced two weeks ago, he said.
Though the expat community welcomed the decision, some were sceptical. “I do not know how many families will benefit from this system. For instance, how will the family of a blue collar worker from a remote village in Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu access the online system?” asked K. Kumar, Convener, Indian Community Welfare Committee, the welfare arm of the Indian Consulate in Dubai. It takes a week to 10 days to transport a body to India. But if the cause of death is unnatural or due to a criminal act, it can take weeks or months.
Toll free number:
Those unable to submit online applications can call the Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) in India via their toll free number 1800-113090 and relay relevant information to an agent.
