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Honoring Cultural and Religious Customs During Repatriation

Tom Hathaway • May 10, 2023

The death of a loved one is a difficult time for any family, and when that loved one dies while away from home, it can add even more stress to an already emotional situation. Repatriation , or the process of returning a person’s body to their home country for burial or cremation, is a common practice in the UK. However, it’s important to remember that each culture and religion has its own customs and traditions when it comes to death and mourning. As a repatriation company, it’s our duty to honour those customs and make sure the family’s wishes are respected.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when dealing with repatriation is that different cultures have different beliefs about death and dying. For example, in some cultures, it’s traditional for the body to be buried as soon as possible after death, while in others, there may be a period of mourning and preparation that can last for several days. It’s important for us to be sensitive to these beliefs and to work closely with the family to ensure that their wishes are respected.

Another important consideration when it comes to repatriation is religious customs. In the UK, the most common religions are Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, each of which has its own customs when it comes to death and mourning. For example, in Christianity, it’s traditional for the body to be buried in a cemetery, while in Islam, the body is typically buried in a simple grave without a headstone. Hinduism has a complex set of rituals that are followed after death, including the washing of the body, the tying of the mouth, and the placing of rice and coins in the mouth.

As a repatriation company, it’s our responsibility to be familiar with the customs and traditions of different religions so that we can help families navigate the process of repatriation. This might include arranging for a specific type of casket or urn, working with religious leaders to perform certain rituals, or providing guidance on how to transport the body in accordance with religious beliefs.

In addition to cultural and religious customs, it’s important to consider the practical aspects of repatriation. This might include obtaining the necessary paperwork and permits, arranging for transportation of the body, and working with the authorities to ensure that all legal requirements are met. As a repatriation company, we have experience in navigating these requirements and can provide families with guidance and support throughout the process. All paperwork is provided in our plans and we make the process as accessible and as easy to understand as possible.

At the end of the day, repatriation is about honouring the wishes of the family and ensuring that their loved one is treated with respect and dignity. This means being sensitive to cultural and religious customs, while also taking care of the practical aspects of the process. As a repatriation company, it’s our mission to provide families with the support they need during this difficult time, so that they can focus on saying goodbye to their loved one in their own way.

In conclusion, honouring cultural and religious customs is an important aspect of repatriation. Each culture and religion has its own beliefs and traditions when it comes to death and mourning, and it’s our responsibility as a repatriation company to be sensitive to these customs and ensure that they are respected. By working closely with families and providing guidance and support throughout the process, we can help them navigate the difficult journey of saying goodbye to their loved one and honouring their memory.

What is body repatriation?

14 Dec, 2023
The loss of a loved one is never easy and the stress of arranging a fitting funeral can be incredibly difficult to deal with. This process can be made even more challenging when the loved one dies overseas. The death of a loved one overseas will often mean that the body will need to be brought home and this will require a process known as body repatriation. The following information is provided to explain the process clearly with information around how long it can take, why some people choose to arrange body repatriation and how much the service can typically cost. If you require any further information or assistance please get in contact with us and we will do our best to support you and clarify anything about the process. What is body repatriation? Repatriation is the return of individuals to their country of origin. This may be voluntary or involuntary, and it may occur for a variety of reasons. For instance, people may be repatriated because they have been forced to leave their country of origin due to conflict or persecution. They may also be repatriated as part of an amnesty program, or because they have been granted asylum in another country. Repatriation can be a difficult and traumatic experience, particularly if it is involuntary. Individuals may face a range of challenges upon their return, including reintegrating into their community, dealing with family members who may have stayed behind, and rebuilding their lives. Repatriation may also be done for religious or cultural reasons, or because the deceased person’s family wishes to bury them in their home country. Whatever the reason, body repatriation is deeply personal and can often be a complex and costly process, and in some regrettable circumstances, it may not always be possible to repatriate the body of a loved one who has died overseas. How long can body repatriation take? The process of body repatriation, or the return of a person’s remains to their home country, can take a significant amount of time. Depending on the circumstances, it can take weeks or even months for the body to be returned. In most circumstances, the body can be returned to the preferred location in around 10-15 days but this depends on a large number of factors. The first is the location of the death. If the death occurs in a remote area, it can take time to get the body to a city where it can be prepared for transport. The second is the country of origin. If the deceased is from a country that is far away, it can take longer to get the necessary paperwork and travel arrangements in order. Lastly, the wishes of the deceased’s family can also impact the timeline. If the family wants a traditional burial or cremation, this can add to the length of time it takes to repatriate the body . Overall, body repatriation can be a lengthy and complicated process. The length of time it takes can be a burden on the family and friends of the deceased, as they often have to wait a long time for closure. It is important to be aware of the potential timeframe if you are dealing with the death of a loved one who is overseas. The people organising the repatriation should be able to give you an idea of a timeline so it is always best to keep an open dialogue with them and it’s always best to ask the question. How much does body repatriation cost? Cost for body repatriation is widely variable depending on where the loved one needs to be repatriated from and to but the average cost is around £2,000-5,000 and what is included can differ depending on the level of service. Our fees are usually around £2,000-3,000 and this usually includes collection of the person who has passed away, mortuary care including full embalming with certification, appropriate sealing of the coffin in line with international regulations, a simple oak effect coffin suitable for international repatriation, transportation of the coffin to the departure airport, flight fee and arrangement of all required documentation and administrative responsibilities. The death of a loved one is always a painful time and we are here to help. If you require any further information or assistance please get in contact with us and we will do our best to support you and clarify anything about the process.

Repatriating A Body To India

By Blam Online • 30 Oct, 2023
The death of a loved one is often a time of great ritual and cultural importance; a chance to pay tribute and respect by honouring their chosen customs and beliefs. Throughout the world, there are a great number of different customs and rituals surrounding funerals and death and one place where death customs are of […] The post Repatriating A Body To India appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.

What NOT to do when someone dies abroad

By Blam Online • 29 Sep, 2023
The death of a loved one is a difficult and stressful time. This is made even more unnerving if your loved one died abroad. There are many things you should do in order to handle the necessary arrangements but there are also a myriad of things to avoid doing. When someone dies abroad, it’s important […] The post What NOT to do when someone dies abroad appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.

What to do when someone dies abroad

By Tom Hathaway • 10 May, 2023
The death of a loved one is a difficult time for anyone, but when that death occurs in a foreign country, it can be even more complicated. There are a few things that you will need to do in order to make arrangements for the repatriation of the deceased. If you’re abroad together If you’re […] The post What to do when someone dies abroad appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.
The sun is setting over the ocean

The Emotional Impact of Body Repatriation

By Tom Hathaway • 24 Mar, 2023
No matter how a death occurs, the aftermath is always a painful and traumatic experience for loved ones and friends.

What is body repatriation?

By Tom Hathaway • 25 Jan, 2023
The loss of a loved one is never easy and the stress of arranging a fitting funeral can be incredibly difficult to deal with. This process can be made even more challenging when the loved one dies overseas. The death of a loved one overseas will often mean that the body will need to be […] The post What is body repatriation? appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.
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