Funerals Without Frontiers
Repatriating loved ones to and from anywhere in the world
“The United Kingdom has become one of the most multicultural countries in the world and many people living here, in the unfortunate event of their deaths, wish to be returned to their spiritual ‘homeland’. Similarly, the families of British nationals who pass away overseas, usually wish that their loved ones are returned to the United Kingdom for their funerals.” Steven Mears, founder of Mears Repatriation.
“This is what we do, respectfully and efficiently transporting the deceased to or from any country in the world, from or to any part of the British Isles. We work with families and with Funeral Directors in local communities to ensure that repatriations run as quickly and smoothly as possible, whilst complying with all international regulations and legal requirements. In short, we offer ‘funerals without frontiers’.
But many families wishing to honour their loved one’s last request do not know where to start. Fortunately, Steven Mears and his team at Mears Repatriation have over 25 years of experience repatriating loved ones to countries all over the world. Every repatriation is different and, whether a death is anticipated or unexpected, there is always plenty to think about. At Mears Repatriation, you will find an experienced, compassionate team who will lead you through every step, gently and at your own pace.
Repatriation from the UK
In the first instance, you will need to register the death and provide us with a copy of the Death Certificate (or Interim Certificate) and a copy of the deceased’s passport. This allows us to apply for a Coroner’s Out of England (OOE) Certificate, the starting point for all the paperwork. The Coroner is given up to four working days to issue this document but in practice we usually receive it in one or two days. Once the OOE Certificate has been issued, we can bring your loved one into our care and prepare them for international travel.
The documentation required for the repatriation will vary depending on the destination country. Many will require permits to be issued by the embassy or consulate, others will require all documents to be translated. Others will require official UK documents to be legalised and affixed with an Apostille issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCO). The team at Mears Repatriation has extensive knowledge of these requirements and has established relationships with embassies, High Commissions and consulates in London and across the UK facilitating prompt issuing of the necessary documents.
Whilst this documentation is prepared, you can discuss your wishes regarding the choices surrounding clothes and personal effects, the choice of repatriation coffins and caskets and whether you would like to arrange a local church (or other) service prior to departure. Our specialists will also start to liaise with your overseas funeral director (or other nominated person in the destination country) and the airlines to book a suitable flight. It must be remembered that not all airlines and regional airports have the necessary infrastructure to facilitate a repatriation service.
Once everything is in order, we will transport your loved one to the airport and ensure smooth progress through customs and security. On arrival, we will confirm that your loved one has reached the destination airport.
Repatriation to the UK
When someone dies abroad, the death may seem more distressing because of the complications of being away from home and dealing with unfamiliar bureaucracy and customs. You can get local help from the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate and the Mears Repatriation team is available 24/7.
Through its international network of trusted partners and its relationships with the UK Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, Mears Repatriation can bring a loved one home from any country in the world, managing the entire process from transportation from the place of death to our in-country partner, ensure that all relevant documentation and permits are obtained, arrange embalming to international standards, transportation to the local airport and flight to the UK. We can also arrange to collect your loved one from the UK airport and the onward transportation to your preferred funeral director.
Glossary of terms
• Air Waybill (AWB)
An official document which evidences the contract between the shipper and the airline carrier. We typically produce the air waybills for repatriations.
• Charter Flight (sometimes Private Charter Flight)
A flight booked by a group or consortium responsible for all the seats on the flight. An alternative
to a Scheduled Flight (q.v.).
• Death Certificate
Once a death has been registered, you will usually receive a Death Certificate. This is the starting point of the repatriation process. If an Interim Certificate (q.v.) is issued by the Coroner, you will not receive a Death Certificate.
• Embalming
The restoration of the deceased’s dignity, enabling loved ones to view the body safely and with no unpleasantness or embarrassment. Embalming is usually mandatory for repatriations due to the additional time involved (exceptions on faith grounds can sometimes be arranged).
• Embassy Approval
Some countries insist that consular staff inspect the coffin and affix an official seal it before it leaves the country.
• Freedom from Infection (FFI) Certificate An FFI certificate is required to allow a deceased person to leave the United Kingdom. If the deceased is not free from infection, then a separate document can be issued that states that the remains are in a sanitary condition and present no risk to the public. This is produced following specialist embalming.
• Hermetic Seal
Coffins and caskets used for repatriation must have a hermetic seal, meaning the container is airtight. This is most often achieved using a zinc lining (q.v.)
• IATA
International Air Transport Association, the global trade association for the airline industry.
• Interim Certificate
If the Coroner decides an inquest is required, you will be issued with an Interim Certificate instead of a Death Certificate (q.v.).
• Out of England (OOE) Certificate
Required to allow the deceased to be removed from the United Kingdom. Can be applied for once a copy of the Death Certificate (q.v.) or Interim Certificate (q.v.) is available.
• Scheduled Flight
A plane service that leaves at a regular time each day or week.
• Waiver
An official document only required for repatriations to Nigeria. It can be obtained by the
client, the Nigerian Funeral Directors or the repatriation company.
• Zinc Lining
Zinc linings are used for repatriation coffins to provide the airtight seal required by the airline carriers. Zinc is used because it doesn’t prevent checks by X-ray machines which are a necessary part of airline security.
Gary Mears
