Key Takeaways
- Repatriation from the UAE is highly regulated and requires 3–7 working days for natural deaths.
- Dubai’s Jabr system has streamlined the digital bereavement process as of 2025.
- Employers are legally obligated to cover repatriation costs under UAE Federal Law.
Losing a loved one is a profoundly difficult experience, and when that loss occurs while living abroad, the added complexity of international logistics can feel overwhelming. For the 90% of the United Arab Emirates population who are expatriates, repatriation from UAE is a critical process to understand. Whether you are a family member, a friend, or an employer, navigating the legal, medical, and logistical requirements of transporting a deceased person back to their home country requires a clear, step-by-step approach.
As of 2025 and 2026, the UAE has significantly digitized its bereavement services. Systems like Dubai’s "Jabr" platform have been introduced to centralize coordination between police, health authorities, and municipalities, making a historically fragmented process much more manageable. However, strict adherence to document protocols remains mandatory to ensure the deceased can be returned home with dignity and without unnecessary legal delays.
Understanding the Legal Framework for Repatriation
The UAE legal system provides specific protections and mandates regarding the handling of deceased residents. One of the most important regulations for expatriate workers is Article 15 (3) of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021. This law stipulates that the employer is legally obligated to bear the cost of preparing and transporting the body to the worker’s home country if the family requests repatriation.
This is a vital piece of information for families who may be concerned about the financial impact of international body transport. Beyond the employer's obligation, the process is governed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and local health authorities such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi.
The Jabr System: Dubai's Digital Bereavement Revolution
If the death occurs in Dubai, the first and most important tool at your disposal is the Jabr platform. Launched in early 2025, Jabr is a centralized digital system designed to simplify the funeral and repatriation process.
When a death is registered, the Jabr system assigns a dedicated government service officer to the case. This officer acts as a liaison between the family and various government entities, including:
- Dubai Police (for the initial forensic report)
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) (for the death notification)
- Dubai Municipality (for embalming and coffin permits)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) (for visa cancellation)
Using Jabr eliminates the need for families to visit multiple government offices physically, though original documents must still be produced at certain stages.
The main thing: Utilizing the Jabr platform can reduce the administrative processing time by up to 40% compared to traditional manual methods.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repatriation from UAE
The process of repatriation from UAE generally follows a specific sequence. While the digital tools vary slightly between emirates, the core requirements remain consistent.
1. Immediate Notification and Police Report
Regardless of the cause of death, the first step is always notification. If the death occurs in a hospital, the facility will initiate the "Death Notification." If the death occurs at home or elsewhere, you must immediately call 999 for the police.
2. Contacting the Embassy or Consulate
Simultaneously, you must contact the deceased’s embassy or consulate. You will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the embassy to proceed with repatriation. The embassy will require the deceased’s original passport and the initial medical notification.
3. Obtaining the Official Death Certificate
As of June 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoHAP) has decentralized certification. Depending on where the death occurred, you will obtain the certificate from:
- DHA in Dubai
- DoH in Abu Dhabi
- Emirates Health Services (EHS) in the Northern Emirates
4. Attestation and Translation
The death certificate must be translated into English (if issued in Arabic) and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
5. Embalming and Preparation
For all international body transports, embalming is a legal requirement in the UAE for public health and preservation reasons. This must be done at a government-approved morgue (such as Al Qusais in Dubai). The morgue will issue an Embalming Certificate and a Coffin Certificate, verifying that the remains have been placed in a zinc-lined coffin suitable for international flight.
Essential Document Checklist
To avoid delays, ensure you have multiple certified copies of every document. Experts recommend securing 8–10 certified copies of the final death certificate.
| Required Document | Source | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Death Notification | Hospital/DHA | To initiate the legal death certificate |
| Initial Police Letter | Police Station | Required for all types of deaths |
| Attested Death Certificate | MoFA/Health Authority | Legal proof of death for home country |
| Embassy NOC | Respective Consulate | Required for body export |
| Passport/Visa Cancellation | GDRFA/Sponsor | Legal closure of residency |
| Embalming Certificate | Approved Morgue | Health requirement for airline |
| Airway Bill (AWB) | Airline Cargo | Confirmation of flight booking |
Financial Costs of Body Transport from UAE
The cost of body transport UAE wide varies significantly based on the destination country, the weight of the coffin, and the specific airline used.
Average Cost Breakdown
General repatriation costs typically range between AED 7,000 and AED 20,000 ($1,900–$5,500). This includes morgue fees, embalming, the zinc-lined coffin, and the air freight charges.
National Airline Policies
Some countries offer subsidized rates for their nationals:
- Pakistan: Repatriation via Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is generally free for Pakistani nationals.
- India: Air India and Air India Express offer a fixed rate of approximately AED 1,500 for adults and AED 750 for children (as of current 2025/2026 pricing).
Destination-Specific Repatriation Costs
The total cost of repatriation from the UAE varies significantly depending on the destination country, the airline used, and the weight of the coffin. Below is an estimated breakdown for the most common repatriation routes as of 2025-2026.
| Destination | Estimated Cost (AED) | Estimated Cost (USD) | Typical Airline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | AED 3,500 – AED 7,000 | $950 – $1,900 | Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo | Air India offers a subsidized fixed rate of approximately AED 1,500 for Indian nationals |
| Pakistan | AED 1,500 – AED 5,000 | $400 – $1,400 | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) | PIA offers free repatriation for Pakistani nationals in many cases |
| United Kingdom | AED 12,000 – AED 20,000 | $3,300 – $5,500 | Emirates, British Airways, Etihad | Longer distance and heavier coffin requirements increase costs |
| Philippines | AED 6,000 – AED 12,000 | $1,600 – $3,300 | Philippine Airlines, Emirates, Cebu Pacific | OWWA and POLO offices may assist with costs for OFWs |
| Bangladesh | AED 4,000 – AED 8,000 | $1,100 – $2,200 | Biman Bangladesh, Emirates | Community organizations sometimes assist with funding |
| Egypt | AED 5,000 – AED 9,000 | $1,400 – $2,500 | EgyptAir, Emirates | Relatively direct routing keeps costs moderate |
| Sri Lanka | AED 5,000 – AED 9,000 | $1,400 – $2,500 | SriLankan Airlines, Emirates | Similar routing and pricing to Bangladesh |
| Nepal | AED 5,000 – AED 10,000 | $1,400 – $2,700 | Various (via connecting flights) | Limited direct flights may increase costs |
Coffin Types and Pricing for International Transport
The type of coffin required for repatriation depends on the airline's requirements and the destination country's import regulations. The UAE requires all bodies to be placed in a sealed coffin before transport.
| Coffin Type | Approximate Cost (AED) | Approximate Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Wooden Coffin | AED 800 – AED 1,500 | $220 – $410 | Simple pine or plywood coffin; suitable for short-haul flights where the destination accepts basic caskets |
| Air Cargo Compliant Coffin | AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 | $410 – $820 | Reinforced wooden coffin meeting IATA air cargo standards; lined with absorbent material |
| Zinc-Lined Coffin | AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 | $820 – $1,640 | Hermetically sealed zinc lining inside a wooden outer shell; required by many European countries including the UK |
Most European destinations require a zinc-lined coffin for hygienic reasons. Countries in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) typically accept standard air cargo compliant coffins. Always confirm the specific requirements with the destination country's embassy before purchasing a coffin.
Repatriation Timeline Summary
Understanding the typical timeline helps families plan and manage expectations. Here is an overview of the day-by-day process for a natural death in the UAE.
| Day | Step | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Death occurs | Call 999 (if outside hospital); hospital issues Death Notification; contact the embassy immediately |
| Day 1-2 | Police report | Obtain the Initial Police Letter from the local police station |
| Day 2-3 | Death certificate | Apply for the official death certificate from DHA/DoH/EHS; arrange MoFA attestation and translation |
| Day 2-3 | Embassy NOC | Submit documents to the embassy for the No Objection Certificate |
| Day 3-4 | Visa cancellation | Sponsor (employer) initiates visa and Emirates ID cancellation through GDRFA |
| Day 3-5 | Embalming and coffin | Body transferred to approved morgue for embalming; coffin certificate issued |
| Day 4-6 | Flight booking | Book cargo space on the chosen airline; obtain the Airway Bill (AWB) |
| Day 5-7 | Departure | Body transported to airport cargo terminal; family may travel on the same flight |
Country-Specific Repatriation Guides
Repatriation to India
India is the largest source country for expatriates in the UAE, and repatriation to India is the most common route. Key considerations include:
- Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): The Indian Embassy and Consulate in the UAE can provide financial assistance for repatriation of destitute Indian nationals through the ICWF. Contact the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India in Dubai as soon as possible.
- Air India Subsidized Rate: Air India and Air India Express offer a fixed repatriation rate of approximately AED 1,500 for adults and AED 750 for children. IndiGo and other carriers may charge standard cargo rates.
- Arrival Requirements: Indian customs requires the death certificate to state the specific medical cause of death (e.g., "Acute Myocardial Infarction"), not just "Natural Causes." Ensure this detail is correct before leaving the UAE.
- Cremation in India: If the family wishes to cremate the deceased upon arrival, arrangements should be made with a local funeral director in the destination city before the body arrives.
Repatriation to Pakistan
- PIA Free Repatriation: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) generally provides free repatriation for Pakistani nationals who die abroad. Families should contact the Pakistan Association Dubai or the Pakistan Consulate for coordination.
- Community Support: The Pakistani community in the UAE is well-organized, with community groups and welfare organizations that frequently assist with logistics and temporary financial support.
- Embassy Contact: The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai and the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi both have dedicated welfare desks for bereavement cases.
Repatriation to the United Kingdom
- Higher Costs: Repatriation to the UK is among the most expensive routes, primarily due to the longer flight distance and the mandatory requirement for a zinc-lined coffin. Total costs typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000.
- UK Funeral Director: It is highly recommended to arrange for a UK-based funeral director to receive the body at the destination airport's cargo terminal. They will handle customs clearance on the UK side.
- British Embassy Support: The British Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the British Consulate General in Dubai can provide guidance and a list of approved local service providers. They cannot cover repatriation costs but can assist with documentation.
- Insurance: Many UK expatriates in the UAE hold private health or life insurance that includes a repatriation clause. Check these policies before paying out of pocket.
Repatriation to the Philippines
- OWWA and POLO: Filipino Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) and their families can access support from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These offices can assist with financial support and logistical coordination.
- Philippine Airlines: Philippine Airlines offers cargo services for human remains on direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Manila. Emirates and Cebu Pacific also handle repatriation cargo.
- Embassy of the Philippines: Contact the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai immediately after the death. They maintain dedicated Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) officers.
Repatriation to Bangladesh
- Community Welfare Organizations: Several Bangladeshi community organizations in the UAE assist with repatriation costs and logistics, particularly for low-income workers.
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines: Biman offers cargo services for human remains, though direct flight availability is more limited than for Indian or Pakistani routes.
- Embassy of Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi can issue the necessary NOC and provide guidance on documentation requirements at the Bangladesh end.
Embassy and Consulate Contact Information
For quick reference, here are the key embassy and consulate contacts for the most common repatriation routes from the UAE:
- India: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and Consulate General of India, Dubai — dedicated helpline available for bereavement and welfare cases
- Pakistan: Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi and Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai — welfare desk for repatriation assistance
- United Kingdom: British Embassy, Abu Dhabi and British Consulate General, Dubai — consular assistance for British nationals
- Philippines: Embassy of the Philippines, Abu Dhabi and Philippine Consulate General, Dubai — Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) officers
- Bangladesh: Embassy of Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi — NOC and welfare support
Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates: Process Differences
While the core document requirements are the same across the UAE, the process varies slightly depending on the emirate where the death occurs.
Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health (DoH) handles death certification rather than the DHA. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) manages forensic cases. Abu Dhabi does not currently use the Jabr platform (which is specific to Dubai), so families must coordinate with government offices individually or through a funeral service provider.
Abu Dhabi's TAMM digital services platform provides some online processing for death-related documents, though the service is not yet as comprehensive as Dubai's Jabr system. Families in Abu Dhabi should expect to make at least one or two in-person visits to government offices.
Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain)
In the Northern Emirates, Emirates Health Services (EHS) is the primary health authority responsible for issuing death certificates. Police and forensic procedures are handled by the respective emirate's police force. The process is generally similar to Dubai's, but digital integration is less advanced, meaning more paperwork may need to be completed manually.
For deaths occurring in Sharjah, the body is typically transferred to Al Qasimi Hospital or Kuwaiti Hospital for the medical examination and death certificate issuance.
Local Burial and Cremation Options in UAE
Not all families choose repatriation. The UAE does offer local burial and, in limited cases, cremation facilities for non-Muslim residents.
Burial in the UAE
- Muslim Burial: Islamic burials are widely facilitated across all emirates. Bodies are typically buried within 24 hours in accordance with Islamic tradition, at designated Muslim cemeteries managed by the local municipality.
- Non-Muslim Burial: Non-Muslim cemeteries exist in several emirates. The most well-known is the Christian Cemetery in Jebel Ali, Dubai, which serves Christians and other non-Muslim communities. Abu Dhabi also has a non-Muslim cemetery in Al Ain. Cemetery fees vary but typically range from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 for the plot and burial service.
- Cost Comparison: A local burial in the UAE is generally less expensive than repatriation, with total costs ranging from approximately AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 including the grave, preparation, and basic ceremony.
Cremation in the UAE
- Hindu and Sikh Cremation: The UAE does not have a public crematorium as of 2026. Hindu and Sikh families who wish to cremate must repatriate the body to a country with cremation facilities, most commonly India. Some families choose to have the body embalmed and flown to India specifically for the cremation ceremony and immersion of ashes in the Ganges or other sacred rivers. For more on Hindu cremation traditions, see our guide on Hindu Cremation in India.
- Workarounds: Some expatriate families arrange for the body to be repatriated to a nearby country with cremation facilities, such as India or Nepal, rather than to a more distant home country. This can be a cost-effective solution for families who prioritize cremation over burial.
Real-World Examples of Repatriation Challenges
Case Study 1: The Importance of Name Consistency
In a 2025 case, a repatriation from Dubai to the UK was delayed by three days because the spelling of the deceased's name on the hospital "Death Notification" differed by one letter from the name on the passport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) system rejected the attestation request automatically.
- Lesson: Always verify that every document matches the Passport and Emirates ID exactly.
Case Study 2: Accidental Death Investigation
A resident passed away in a road accident in Sharjah. Because it was an "unnatural" death, the police investigation took 12 days before the body was released for embalming.
- Lesson: Natural deaths usually take 3–7 days, but accidents or suspicious circumstances will extend the timeline to 2 weeks or more. For more on handling these cases, read about Expat Death in UAE (Practical Steps and Documents).
Case Study 3: Destination Rejection
An Indian expat’s family received a death certificate stating "Natural Causes." However, Indian customs at the arrival airport required the exact medical cause (e.g., Acute Myocardial Infarction). The body was held at the airport until a revised certificate could be issued digitally and sent via the embassy.
- Lesson: Ensure the medical cause of death is detailed and specific on the official certificate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting Visa Cancellation: You cannot legally repatriate a body without officially canceling the residency visa. This is usually handled by the sponsor (employer) or the next of kin through the immigration department.
- Delaying Embassy Contact: Many families wait for the death certificate before calling the embassy. You should call them immediately. They can provide guidance and start the NOC process while you wait for the hospital paperwork.
- Ignoring Insurance: Many people assume they are responsible for all costs. Always check the employment contract. As mentioned, Funeral Costs UAE Guide: Tools, Checklists, and Essential Guides highlights that employers are often legally bound to cover these fees.
- Inadequate Copies: Never take just one copy of the death certificate. You will need originals or certified copies for the airline, the home country's local authorities, insurance companies, and bank account closures.
Logistics: Flying with the Deceased
Many family members choose to fly on the same aircraft as the remains of their loved one. While this is possible, it requires specific coordination.
- Cargo vs. Passenger: The body is handled by the airline's cargo department, not as standard luggage.
- Linking Tickets: You must coordinate with the airline to link your passenger ticket with the Airway Bill (AWB) of the deceased. This ensures you are notified of any delays or changes to the flight.
- Arrival Procedures: Upon arrival in the home country, the body is usually released through the cargo terminal, not the passenger terminal. You will need to have a local funeral director or transport service ready to receive the body at the cargo gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is embalming compulsory for repatriation from UAE?
How long does the entire repatriation process take?
Who is responsible for the costs if there is no employer?
Can I choose the airline for repatriation?
What happens to the deceased's bank accounts during this process?
How much does it cost to send a body from Dubai to India?
How much does it cost to send a body from Dubai to the UK?
How much does it cost to send a body from Dubai to Pakistan?
Can you bury someone in the UAE?
Can Hindus or Sikhs be cremated in the UAE?
Conclusion
The process of repatriation from UAE is undoubtedly complex, but the 2025-2026 digital updates have made it more transparent. By utilizing systems like Jabr, understanding the employer's legal obligations, and maintaining strict document accuracy, you can navigate this difficult time with fewer administrative hurdles.
Remember to rely on your embassy and the dedicated service officers assigned through the health authorities. Their expertise is invaluable in ensuring that your loved one is returned home safely and with the respect they deserve.
Key point: Having a clear checklist and understanding your legal rights can save thousands of Dirhams and days of unnecessary waiting.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Laws, costs, and requirements vary by location and individual circumstances. Always consult with qualified legal, medical, or financial professionals for advice specific to your situation.
Financially reviewed by a Certified Final Expense Specialist
Written by Sarah Goldberg
Final Expense Financial Planner
Licensed financial planner and Certified Final Expense Specialist (CFES) who helps families navigate funeral costs, prepaid plans, and estate financial planning.
