Navigating the Process When an Indian National Dies Abroad

Grieving the loss of a loved one is never easy, but it can be particularly painful when it happens abroad. There are specific procedures to follow if an Indian national passes away overseas. These steps ensure that the death is appropriately reported and that the body can, if desired, be returned to India. Here, we describe the steps that must be taken to record a death outside of India and acquire the requisite certificates to transfer the deceased's body or ashes back home.

Understanding the Death Registration Process

When an Indian national passes away abroad, the death should be registered with the local Indian Embassy or Consulate. This process involves submitting a set of documents along with the prescribed Death Registration Form. Here’s a detailed look at the required documents and steps:

Required Documents

1. Duly Filled Miscellaneous Service Application Form: This form can typically be found on the embassy's official website.

2. Original Passport of the Deceased: The deceased's passport is necessary for identification and registration purposes.

3. Local Death Certificate: The death certificate issued by the local authorities (e.g., Bulletin de Obito in Angola).

4. Post Mortem Report / Autopsy Report: This report from the hospital should include the cause of death.

5. Burial/Cremation Certificate: This certificate is issued by the funeral home.

6. Applicant's Identification: Name, address, and BID copy of the person applying for death registration.

   
   

Procedure

• Submission of Documents: All the above documents should be submitted to the Embassy along with the prescribed Death Registration Form.

• No Fee: There is no fee for registering the death, and the certificate is typically issued on the same day.

  
  

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Transporting the Deceased Body to India

If the family wishes to transport the deceased's body back to India for funeral purposes, additional steps and documents are required. The Embassy will issue a "No Objection Certificate" to facilitate this process.

Required Documents

1. Miscellaneous Service Application Form: As with death registration, this form must be completed.

2. Death Certificate and Registration: Complete all procedures for obtaining the Death Certificate as mentioned above.

3. Cancelled Passport of the Deceased: The deceased's passport must be canceled and submitted.

4. Death Certificate from Embassy: The Death Certificate issued by the Embassy, along with a copy.

5. Letter from Public Health Office: This letter should indicate that there is no communicable disease.

6. Embalming Certificate: Certification that the body has been properly embalmed for transport.

7. Consignee Information: Name, address, and contact details of the consignee in India.

8. Flight Details: Information about the flight transporting the body.

   
   

Procedure

• Submission of Documents: Submit all the required documents to the Embassy.

• No Fee: There is no fee for Indian passport holders, and the No Objection Certificate is issued on the same day.

  
  

Transporting Ashes to India

For those who wish to transport the ashes of the deceased to India, the Embassy also issues a "No Objection Certificate."

Required Documents

1. Miscellaneous Service Application Form: Complete the necessary form available from the embassy.

2. Death Certificate: As previously obtained.

3. Passport of the Deceased and a Photocopy: Both the original passport and a copy are required.

4. Cremation Certificate: A certificate indicating that the body has been cremated.

5. Certificate of Packing: This should include details such as name, age, date, time, and cause of death, and contents of the package.

6. Applicant's Identification: Name, address, passport particulars of the person transporting the ashes, and a photocopy of their passport.

   
   

Procedure

• Submission of Documents: Provide all necessary documents to the Embassy.

• No Fee: There is no fee for the issuance of the No Objection Certificate for transporting ashes.

  
  

Conclusion

Handling the death registration and funeral arrangements for a loved one who has passed away abroad can be quite difficult. During these challenging times, the Indian Embassy or Consulate offers vital support. They ensure that all required procedures are carried out with care and respect. It is your responsibility to make sure that your loved one is returned to India with honor and in compliance with the law. By being aware of the necessary procedures and paperwork, you can navigate this process more smoothly. Swarga Rath Kolkata is available to support you during this process, offering expert and sympathetic assistance at every turn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I do first if an Indian national dies abroad?

Ans: The first step is to inform the local Indian Embassy or Consulate. They will help you register the death and provide guidance for repatriation or cremation as per the family’s wishes.

2. Is it necessary to register the death with the Indian Embassy?

Ans: Yes, registering the death with the Indian Embassy or Consulate is mandatory. It ensures that official documentation is processed, which is required for body or ashes repatriation.

3. What documents are needed to register a death abroad?

Ans: You will need:

• Filled Miscellaneous Service Application Form

• Original passport of the deceased

• Local death certificate

• Autopsy/Post-mortem report

• Burial/Cremation certificate

• Applicant’s ID proof

  
  

4. Is there any fee for registering the death with the Embassy?

Ans: No. Death registration at the Indian Embassy or Consulate is free of cost.

5. How can we bring the deceased’s body back to India?

Ans: You need to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian Embassy after completing death registration. You’ll also need:

• Embalming certificate

• Cancelled passport of the deceased

• Public Health clearance

• Flight details

• Consignee information in India

  
  

6. What is the process to bring cremated ashes to India?

Ans: To transport ashes, submit these documents to the Embassy:

• Death and cremation certificates

• Passport (original + copy) of the deceased

• Packing certificate

• Applicant’s ID and passport copy

  
  

Once verified, the Embassy issues a No Objection Certificate free of charge.

7. How long does it take to get the required certificates from the Embassy?

Ans: If all documents are correct, the Indian Embassy usually issues the necessary certificates (Death Certificate and No Objection Certificate) on the same day.

8. Can Swarga Rath Kolkata assist with transporting the deceased from the airport to home or cremation ground?

Ans: Yes, Swarga Rath Kolkata provides complete support — including airport pickups, hearse van service, and funeral planning in Kolkata and Howrah. Contact us 24/7 at 📞 8582889996 for immediate assistance.