We know that the repatriation of a loved one can be very overwhelming and sometimes a confusing process for families, which is why we wanted to take the time to explain step by step how it works and what is involved.
Repatriation is the transfer of a deceased to their home country of birth. In the unfortunate event of a loved one passing away abroad, the desire to have them back in their home country is a natural and human wish, regardless of how far it happens to be.
W. Uden & Sons are well known in the areas of London and Kent for providing the highest standards of repatriation both outside the U.K. and bringing your loved one back to the U.K. We offer our knowledge and experience in repatriation services all over the world, wherever the deceased has passed away and wherever their home country may be.
How does it work?
Our repatriation specialists will liaise with either the receiving or sending Funeral Directors, depending on where the death occurred and, together with the family, we will work on determining the best time and course of action to repatriate the deceased.
After all the arrangements have been completed in terms of paperwork, the deceased will be embalmed and placed in a lined coffin or metal casket according to international protocols.
The deceased will be transferred to the U.K. and taken into our care.
A Funeral Director will then get into touch with the family to arrange a funeral that meets their own needs.
In the case of returning a body to their home country, we will prepare the deceased and ensure they arrive smoothly at their destination. Upon arrival, your chosen Funeral Directors will take them into their care.
What paperwork is required for a repatriation
All the paperwork arrangements might seem daunting, however our repatriation staff will gather all the information for you and do all the heavy lifting required.
Our manager will collect the details of the funeral home and resting place so the relevant documentation can be produced.
Listed below are all the documents required:
Documentation Produced by the family needed for the Funeral Directors:
Death Certificate (Issued by the local registry office)
The Deceased’s Passport
Documentation Arranged by the Funeral Directors:
Out of England Certificate (Issued by the local Coroner)
Free From Infection Certificate (Issued by the relevant doctor)
Embalming Certificate (Issued by the Funeral Director)
Statutory Declaration (Issued by the Funeral Director)
Depending on the country, further paperwork may be required.
Travel procedure
We will take the deceased to the appropriate airline or through a freight forwarder. A nominated receiver must accept responsibility before the person can be transported.
How long does it take
Funeral Repatriation can take up 30 days depending on the country and the time taken to produce the appropriate documentation. However, in most cases it takes between 7 – 10 working days. It usually depends upon the date the deceased is released by the local institutions.
After the release, it all relies upon the freight, airline or ship.
What we do for you
Some of the key aspects of the service we are able to provide to our international repatriation clients:
* We offer full repatriation services to the deceased’s home country.
* We work with Embassies, Consulates and Government institutions.
* We have an extensive knowledge of regulations and the law relating to documentation and permits.
* We are able to arrange transfer of the deceased from any local home address, hospital or mortuary, together with all relevant permits and documents. We will supply a coffin or casket suitable for transportation by air, and organise the transfer of the deceased to the airport.
* We can arrange flights for the transportation of the deceased from the U.K.
* We are available 24/7 on the phone
In the case of a deceased being brought back to the U.K., we will liaise with the Funeral Director dealing with the repatriation and arrange suitable collection from a London airport. The deceased will then be brought to our chapel of rest. All relevant paperwork will be translated (if required) and once this has been undertaken, this will be sent to the local coroner and the appropriate documentation will be issued, to enable the burial or cremation to proceed. The funeral arrangements will continue as normal from this point.
