The government has no objection in facilitating body repatriation of any deceased person during the Alert Level 4 lockdown as long as families can avail the services of commercial airlines both locally in New Zealand and the overseas destination.
This was clarified by Minister of Ethnic Communities Jenny Salesa who was responding to the Indian Weekender’s enquiry about the specific government advice on repatriation.
Notably, the government has formulated new rules around funerals and burials during the lockdown, however, there no clarity around repatriation during the Alert level 4 lockdown, and the Indian Weekender had raised the issue with the office of the Minister of Ethnic Communities.
Responding to the enquiry Minister Salesa told the Indian Weekender on Thursday, April 16, that the government has no objection whatsoever for overseas repatriation of the deceased provided the other necessary options of services of commercial airlines are available for the families of the deceased.
“Thank you for reaching out for advice and assistance about the repatriation of the young man back home to India after passing away recently in Northland. My heart goes out to his beloved parents and his loved ones as they mourn the huge loss of their only son. It must be especially difficult at this time because not only did this young man pass away far from home but due to COVID-19 New Zealand is under Level 4 lockdown and India has introduced really strict border measures as well,” Minister Salesa said.
“The Office of Ethnic Communities has raised this matter directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Indian High Commission. MFAT has advised that repatriation of a deceased person is not subject to the lockdown rules.
“However, it could still be impacted by the limited number of commercial flights leaving the country. MFAT and the Indian High Commission are coordinating with the young man’s family to make the necessary arrangements for repatriation, subject to the availability of commercial aircraft carriers. I trust that the family will be united once these arrangements can be made,” Ms Salesa said.
Earlier the Indian Weekender had reported on April 11, about the death of an Indian temporary migrant worker in Paihia during the Alert Level 4 Lockdown.
The man, 28-year-old Lakhvir Singh suffered a heart attack after returning from a casual walk. Originally a native of Punjab, Lakhvir was the only son of his parents who are desperate to get him back to bid final farewell in front of the family.
Lakhvir had a cousin brother living in Auckland, Kulpreet Singh, who is liaising with the office of the Consulate of India, Auckland, which is supporting him for further action.
Lakhveer's overseas-based family were desperate to get him back to their native place in Punjab, India, for the funeral, and subsequently raised an enquiry with the office of the Minister Jenny Salesa, given that the government had already announced strict guidelines for all funerals in New Zealand during the lockdown period.
“We are in constant touch with the family and have reported about the death to our headquarters back in New Delhi and waiting for further guidance,” Mr Pardeshi said.
“These are unprecedented times with global travel restrictions, and we are doing everything in our control to help the immediate family of Mr Singh.”
Meanwhile, the Indian Weekender also spoke with the Lakhvir’s Auckland based cousin Kulpreet Singh who is liaising with the office of Consulate of India.
“We are being supported by the local community and Hon Consul Bhav Dhillon. We have conveyed Mr Dhillon about our family’s desire to take Lakhvir back home and for now, he has arranged for the body to be placed in a local funeral home till the time we hear more on repatriation,” Kulpreet said.