The process of repatriating a body involves obtaining, completing and presenting the correct set of documents to the relevant authorities in order to obtain permission for transporting human remains to India for traditional religious rites. The required documents for shipping human remains include:
- A Certified Copy of the Death Certificate
- A Burial/Transit Permit
- The Passport of the Decedent
- An Embalmer's Affidavit
- A Letter of Non-Contagious Disease from the New Jersey State Department of Health
- A notarized letter from the funeral home responsible for the care of the deceased, stating three things:
- The casket solely contains the identified remains
- The casket has been hermetically-sealed within the designated zinc-lined shipping container
- The intended airline itinerary of the shipment
- The receiver's name, address and telephone number
- If the death was a result of a homicide, there must also be a letter of permission to ship from the Police Department involved in the investigation and the District Attorney's Office.
The regional
Consulate General of India, located in New York, The agency offers a range of services that are essential for Indian citizens residing in the United States, as well as those who have acquired U.S. citizenship. One of these services is related to body repatriation, which includes completing the Registration of Death and preparing the "NOC for Carrying Mortal Remains to India" document. There is no requirement for Consular inspection of the casketed remains; however, the agency charges a fee of $1.00 for Indian citizens and $60 for U.S. citizens.
