Embalming fees and repatriation of the body now costs SR4,000, against SR 3,000 previously. (SPA)

The Forensic Medicine and Mortuary Department (FMMD) in the capital disclosed here this week that it was able to send this year 1,938 bodies of expatriates who died in the Kingdom to their countries of origin.

The department stresses the importance of accelerating the process of repatriating the bodies on humanitarian grounds, said Abdulrahman Al-Maliki, FMMD assistant supervisor.

He said violators of regulations in this regard will be penalized. Employers will not get work visas if they are found responsible for delay in repatriating the bodies of workers under their sponsorship.

The official urged sponsors and employers to swiftly complete their obligations in this matter.

The forensic team has been consistently working to upgrade its services. However, sometime it takes time to obtain clearance from the authority if there is crime involved in the death.

He said it was necessary to put more effort in terms of humanitarian service, and to facilitate the process with shipping companies that carry the bodies.

He said embalming fees and repatriation of the body now costs SR4,000, against SR 3,000 previously.

Al-Maliki said the shipping agency needs a filled-out repatriation form, an embalming certificate, a burial permit, a death certificate and an air booking, in addition to the payment of embalming fees and the approval of the terms by the embassy of the country of the deceased.

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