LOCAL VIEWPOINT
By Abdul Aziz Al-Thaker
Al-Riyadh newspaper


ONE of the problems that haunts Saudi sponsors when an employee passes away is the complicated and tedious process of repatriating the employee’s body to his or her home country.
The process is complicated and tedious due to the Kingdom’s laws because when a Saudi dies abroad, the repatriation process is not nearly as complicated.

Firstly, why do we further complicate matters by forcing the embassies of foreign countries to get involved in the process especially when the coroner’s office rules out foul play?

According to rumors, Saudi Arabian Airlines requires a relative or family member to send a letter to the airline stating that they are committed to receiving the body upon arrival. Without this letter, the airline refuses to repatriate the body. If true, then it is one of the most absurd requirements I have ever heard.

In other countries, whenever a foreigner dies a certificate is issued and given to the relevant department tasked with the responsibility of handling such issues and the body is repatriated with all of the relevant paperwork quickly.

However, in the Kingdom, the long process of repatriating a body ends with this absurd requirement by our national carrier! 

Imagine a scenario where all airlines had such a requirement: Half of the world would be waiting for the necessary letters and permission and what not. What I do not understand is why there isn’t an independent department that handles these matters?