Lok Sabha Question No. 925 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Mortal Remains of Indians
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Suresh Kodikunnil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

ANSWERED ON- 08/12/2023

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-925

## MORTAL REMAINS OF INDIANS

## 925. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

- (a)  whether the Government has any details of the number of deceased Indian expatriates in GCC countries;
- (b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years and current year, country-wise;
- (c) whether the Government is aware of delay in paper work and formalities occurring on part of the embassies;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;
- (e) whether the Government is considering transfer of mortal remains of pravasis free of cost by expending the sum from the funds of embassies' consulate offices; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a & b) The information available with the Ministry is placed below:

|                      |   Number of deceased Indians; year-wise |   Number of deceased Indians; year-wise |   Number of deceased Indians; year-wise | Number of deceased Indians; year-wise   |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Country              |                                    2020 |                                    2021 |                                    2022 | 2023 (till 30.11.2023)                  |
| Bahrain              |                                     311 |                                     399 |                                     254 | 273                                     |
| Kuwait               |                                    1279 |                                    1202 |                                     731 | 647                                     |
| Oman                 |                                     630 |                                     913 |                                     453 | 465                                     |
| Qatar                |                                     385 |                                     420 |                                     366 | 319                                     |
| Saudi Arabia         |                                    3754 |                                    2328 |                                    2148 | 2442                                    |
| United Arab Emirates |                                    2454 |                                    2714 |                                    2208 | 1920                                    |

(c & d) Government of India attaches the highest priority to addressing and resolving the issues pertaining to transportation of mortal remains of Indian nationals. As  soon  as  our  Mission / Post comes  to   know   of   such   unfortunate death of an Indian citizen, the Consular Wing of the Mission / Post immediately contacts the kin of the deceased Indian national as well as the local authorities to complete the necessary formalities and facilitate the transportation or local burial / cremation of the mortal remains in accordance with the wishes of the kin and local regulations.

In order to expedite the repatriation of mortal remains to India, our Missions / Posts also liaise with different authorities in the foreign countries and concerned state authorities in India to obtain Medical  report   /   death   certificate   from   the   hospital   concerned,   police   report   (with   English translation, if required in case of accidental or unnatural death) and consent letter from next of kin of the deceased for local cremation / burial / transportation.

Mission / Post issues 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) for transportation or local cremation / burial as required immediately, including on weekends/holidays, on receipt of requisite documents and further facilitates the process by coordinating for clearance and arrangements for embalming of mortal remains from the authorities concerned in the foreign country, clearance from local immigration / customs department and coordination with Indian customs authorities and also with State authorities in India if required.

(e & f) The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), available to all Indian Missions and Posts abroad, is used to assist overseas Indian nationals in times of distress and emergency, which includes transportation of mortal remains, on a 'means tested basis'.

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