UK releases expat bereavement guide

Dubai: A newly updated UK government bereavement guide is reminding more than 100,000 UK expats living and working in the country that repatriation from the UAE after death can be complicated if not automatically undertaken by an expat’s employer.

The guide, prepared by the British Embassy Dubai and released on June 13 by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), outlines how to navigate a mandatory red-tape maze to send an expired expatriate home to the UK or other Commonwealth countries such as Canada or Australia.

“The death of a relative or a friend can be a traumatic experience. When the death occurs overseas, family and friends in the UK can feel additional distress as they are unfamiliar with foreign procedures and perhaps are unable to communicate in the language of the country where the death occurred,” the report states.

The report advises families that “while we understand your need for arrangements to be made quickly, this is not always possible”.

The warning is well warranted given a long list of verifications, stamps and letters that are required from authorities in a 15-step guide before any expat’s body is allowed to be flown home, according to the FCO document.

“Once the next of kin have decided how they wish to proceed, there are certain local procedures to be followed. The deceased’s employer will be responsible for the cancellation of the deceased’s visa. Quite often a local agent is appointed to act on their behalf, especially on travel insurance cases,” the report stated.

The report clearly spells out in chronological order a long list of no objection letters, death certificates and picture IDs needed to present to medical, embassy, police and airline authorities to clear a body for release and repatriation.

One of the more unusual requirements is that any repatriation can only be done through the securing of a zinc-lined casket to carry the body home on an aircraft, the report notes.

“Before repatriation, the deceased will be embalmed, as this is an international requirement. International regulations require zinc-lined coffins to be used for repatriations and the dressing of the deceased is not normally allowed,” the report states. “A temporary shroud will be provided by the hospital and very simple zinc-lined coffins can also be obtained at a fee. Please note that someone will be required to identify the deceased before and after embalming. This can be the agent or nominated representative.”