In an increasingly interconnected world, where families often find themselves dispersed across the globe, the unfortunate event of a loved one passing away overseas can pose significant challenges.
One such challenge is the process of repatriating the deceased’s remains back to their home country for a funeral.
For those with family members who were residents of Singapore, bringing them back to their homeland becomes a priority to honour their memory and pay final respects on familiar soil.
In this comprehensive guide, we outline the essential steps involved in repatriating a loved one to Singapore for a funeral.
Repatriating Your Loved One Back Into Singapore
When you get informed about the passing of your loved one overseas, there are a series of steps you must take. Here are five things you must know and the authorities to inform.
1. Contact Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
The initial step upon learning of a loved one’s passing overseas is to establish contact with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
If you are physically present in Singapore when the news arrives, you can directly reach out to the MFA by calling +65 6379 8800.
However, if you are abroad with the deceased, coordinate with local authorities and seek assistance from the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission. These channels serve as vital points of contact to navigate the repatriation process effectively.
2. Register the Death Overseas
It is mandatory to register the deceased’s death with the local authorities in the country where they passed away.
This crucial step involves providing necessary documentation, including the deceased’s National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) and passport, as well as your own identification. Iif you are not the next-of-kin, ensure to furnish the relevant next-of-kin’s details. Obtaining a death certificate in English is imperative, as it facilitates the subsequent procedures in Singapore.
Seek guidance from MFA officers or local authorities to ensure compliance with registration requirements. If you are physically present in Singapore when the news arrives, you can directly reach out to the MFA by calling +65 6379 8800.
3. Contact the Insurance Company & Engage a Funeral Director
Reach out to the deceased’s insurance company, particularly if they held a policy covering overseas death and repatriation expenses.
This allows you to initiate the claims process and offset repatriation fees. Additionally, consider engaging the services of a reputable funeral director.
An experienced funeral director plays a pivotal role in coordinating the repatriation logistics and assisting with funeral arrangements upon the return of the deceased to Singapore. Their expertise ensures a smooth and dignified process during a challenging time.
4) Bringing Your Loved One Home
With the necessary documentation in hand, focus shifts to preparing for the repatriation of the deceased back to Singapore. Selecting an appropriate funeral casket that adheres to Singapore’s burial or cremation requirements is paramount.
Seek guidance from your chosen funeral director to ensure compliance with regulations regarding casket specifications.
Once that is done, you will then need to fill up the necessary paperwork and apply for a coffin import permit (which will come with the permit to bury or cremate) at the Port Health Office in Singapore, which will cost $17.50.
It is also essential that you provide the following documents:
- The overseas death certificate in English
- The coffin sealing certificate shows that the coffin is airtight and metal-lined
- An embalming certificate if your loved one was embalmed overseas
- The coffin export permit (which you can obtain from the authorities of the exporting country)
There might be additional documents needed depending on the circumstances. If you have a funeral director to guide you along, they can provide additional advice on the specific steps and documents necessary.
Additionally, if cremation took place overseas, arrangements can be made to bring back the ashes in a suitable urn, facilitated by the funeral director.
5) Inform The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Upon Arrival
Upon the deceased’s return to Singapore, prompt reporting to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Registry of Births & Deaths. The deceased’s next-of-kin should oversee this process, ensuring timely resolution of formalities.
It is highly recommended that upon your loved one’s return to Singapore, you report the death to ICA in addition to the Registry of Births & Deaths. A quick way to do this is to simply email the registry of Births & Deaths at: ICA_RBD@ica.gov.sg.
You can learn more about the exact procedure to register and collect the death certificate in Singapore here (which will be issued by the Singapore police).
Make sure you’ve got the death certificate from the place where your loved one passed, plus their NRIC or passport.
Singapore Casket: Your One-Stop Solution For Funeral Services In Singapore
Choosing a luxury columbarium niche in Singapore is a delicate process that requires careful consideration, reverence, and respect.
By navigating the nuances of location, design, customisation, and cultural significance, families can create a timeless tribute that honours the memory of their loved ones.
Our professional funeral directors have decades of experience and are committed to helping fulfil the last wishes of your loved one and delivering a funeral wake that is memorable, dignified and heartfelt.
We can handle every aspect of your loved one’s funeral arrangement – from embalming and makeup as well as memorial gemstone services to exhumation & remain relocation and post-funeral services.
You can learn more about our full range of funeral services here or get in contact with us at 6293 4388, we are open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
