New Delhi, August 13 – India on Tuesday launched a new online system that will allow people to track the transportation of bodies of kin who have died abroad, especially in the Gulf countries.
The ‘Online system for facilitating transportation of mortal remains from ECR countries’ was launched by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during an event that was also attended by Minister of State V.K. Singh. “This may seem like a small event but it will have a big impact.
We have launched an important website,” Swaraj told the media. Officials said a total of 100 applications had already been received under the new initiative. Officials said the difficulties associated with transporting the bodies of Indian nationals who die abroad emerged when Swaraj sought information about the problems usually faced by overseas Indians.
The online system was finalised after Swaraj held separate meetings with MPs from states with large numbers of people working overseas and with India’s envoys to Gulf countries.
The new system, which can be accessed through the website of the ministry of overseas Indian affairs, will allow people to submit online applications for transporting the body of deceased emigrants. The applications will be processed by Indian missions and the applicants will receive updates through email and SMS.
The applications can be made in 11 languages and the new system covers 17 “Emigration Check Required” countries, including Malaysia, UAE, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Iraq. According to officials, there are about 500 cases every year of Indians dying abroad of natural or unnatural causes.
-INDIA TODAY
