Indian diaspora urges swift action to ease repatriation of mortal remains

 

Indian diaspora organizations are urging India’s Ministry of Home Affairs to urgently address bureaucratic obstacles that are causing emotional distress and delays in repatriating deceased citizens from abroad. In a formal appeal to the Union Home Secretary, prominent groups like TEAM Aid and Jaipur Foot USA have raised concerns about the rigid requirement of a physical passport, which is often unavailable or delayed during emergencies.

The issue was brought to light by the tragic death of Rahul Patel, a Canadian national who jumped into the Niagara River. His body was recovered on the U.S. side. TEAM Aid and the Indian Consulate in New York promptly completed all necessary paperwork, including issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the body’s return to India. However, the process was stalled when Patel’s passport, sent by a friend in Canada, was held up at U.S. Customs in Chicago.

Prem Bhandari, chief advisor of TEAM Aid, emphasized the need for flexibility and alternatives, such as accepting digital passport copies or consular certifications, especially when dealing with cross-border deaths.

The diaspora has urged the Ministry to simplify and digitize the repatriation process and create protocols that allow faster clearance, ensuring dignity for the deceased and peace for their families.