Dubai: The Indian Consulate in Dubai has issued a new advisory to the Indian expat community, cautioning families against fraudulent agents who charge exorbitant fees for repatriating mortal remains of deceased Indians. The mission has urged families to depend solely on authorised community associations under the ICWF repatriation support framework to avoid exploitation.
According to the Consulate, unauthorised agents have been targeting grieving families by demanding excessive payments for repatriation services not approved by the mission. The advisory comes after community members flagged such practices in a recent social media campaign.
Employer’s Responsibility & ICWF Aid
The mission reminded families that, under UAE law (Article 15 (3), Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), an employer is responsible for covering the costs of preparing and transporting a deceased worker’s body home if requested by the family.
In cases where no employer, sponsor, or insurance covers these expenses, the Consulate provides financial aid under the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). This support covers essential costs such as the death certificate, embalming, coffin, ambulance, and airfare to the airport nearest the deceased’s hometown in India. Families in such cases are not required to bear any expenditure.
ICWF Resources and Impact
The ICWF, managed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, is funded through an AED 8 service charge on passports, consular, and attestation services. The fund has accumulated around Dh300 million (Rs 704.56 crore) in surplus as of March 2024.
Between 2020 and 2024, the ICWF assisted more than 18,000 Indians in the UAE, including at least 559 cases of mortal remains repatriation.
Authorised Community Associations
To streamline procedures and prevent fraud, the Consulate has empanelled community associations that help families complete all formalities. These organisations provide services without charging a fee when ICWF assistance is granted. However, they may levy nominal charges for cases outside ICWF coverage.
Authorised associations include:
- Indian Association Ajman
- Indian Association Sharjah
- Indian Association UAQ
- Indian Relief Committee, RAK
- Indian Social Club, Fujairah
- Indian Social Club, Khorfakkan
- Indian Social & Cultural Club, Kalba
- Indian People’s Forum (IPF)
- Dubai Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre
- AKCAF Association
- FOI Events LLC
- IMAN Cultural Centre
How Families Can Seek Help
Families in need can access support 24/7 via the Consulate’s helpline:
Mobile/WhatsApp: +971-50-7347676
Toll-Free: 800 46342 (under Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra)
Website: Consulate General of India Dubai – Assistance Procedure
