LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.475
TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.09.2020
INDIAN DEAD IN GULF COUNTRIES
475. SHRI K. NAVASKANI:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of deaths of Indian people in Gulf and East Asian Countries during COVID-19 pandemic, country-wise and State wise;
(b) whether all bodies have been brought to India and handed over to their family members; and
(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) to (c) Government of India attaches high importance to bringing back mortal remains of Indian nationals who die abroad. As per the information available with the Ministry, during Covid-19 pandemic, from 1 February to 15 August 2020, 5286 cases of deaths
of Indian nationals were reported in the Gulf and East Asian countries. The country-wise list of these cases is attached at Annex I.
The
Ministry has facilitated transportation of 1807 mortal remains from Gulf and East Asian countries during this period, despite the difficulties faced due to disruptions in international air travel caused by Covid-19 pandemic. In some cases, the last rites of
the deceased have been performed locally as per the wishes of their family members. Our Missions and Posts abroad are constantly following up the cases of Mortal Remains transfer with local authorities and are extending all possible assistance for their early
repatriation.
***