Dead bodies of Indian citizens, NRIs, OCI cardholders to be accepted only after COVID-19 test

The statement comes after several dead bodies were sent back to host countries in the absence of guidelines of handling the COVID-19 patients belonging to other countries, said a Times Now report.

“MHA clarifies that immigration functions in respect of arrival of mortal remains of Indian nationals, OCI cardholders are permitted subject to strict adherence to guidelines issued by Ministries and government departments related with the management of Covid-19 and submission of approval from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare & Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in this regard. SOP issued by the M/o Health & Family Welfare in this regard must be strictly adhered to,” the MHA clarification read, according to a Times Now report.

The home department clarified that dead bodies cannot be sent back to host countries and  Covid-19 guidelines and procedures set by the Health Ministry and other government departments are adhered to, the order noted. The bodies must be sent for immigration clearance in accordance with the Health Ministry and MEA’s directives, the report added.

The government issued the clarification after a row erupted when the dead bodies of three Indians, who had died of COVID-19, were sent back to Abu Dhabi from New Delhi.