Exhumation in South Africa and repatriation to the UK

The family called Homeland International and explained that they wanted assistance with an exhumation in Johannesburg, South Africa and then a repatriation back to the UK. Homeland International have extensive experience in this type of support all over the world so helped explain the process and provide quotes so the family could make an informed decision as to what they wanted to do. Thanks to the set up at Homeland International, the quotation was presented very quickly to the client. The family were impressed by how quickly the quotation was put together as well as how much information was provided up front. The family contacted Homeland International shortly afterwards and indicated they would like to proceed. Homeland International curated all the required documents and supported the family with having these completed. Paperwork processes overseas can be complicated, however with the support of Homeland International’s experienced team, this paperwork was completed and returned quickly. Homeland International can provide support with any funeral related service all over the world, so exhumation was no challenge in South Africa.

Political events complicate process

As with every repatriation case, there is often an unexpected challenge that can occur; adaptable processes and flexibility must be shown in every repatriation case to ensure a smooth process is followed even when something unexpected occurs. The challenge this time involved elections week in South Africa, which meant there could be a sudden change of office mid-way through the process. It also meant that government and cemetery administrative staff were either not working, or completing election work instead of their usual roles. This made the situation slightly unpredictable and resulted in some delays. Our team helped alleviate these delays by preparing the next steps early so that once we had the green light for exhumation to go ahead, we could do so right away. The paperwork was checked over by the local government in Johannesburg and our risk assessments and exhumation plan was agreed to with the cemetery. Once the exhumation was complete, we cared for the remains at our facility in Johannesburg before preparing the remains for international repatriation back to the UK. Despite the death taking place some years ago, we were still required to obtain the usual repatriation paperwork as well. 

Our team helped alleviate these delays by preparing the next steps early

Smooth repatriation process

We then had everything together and ready for the flights back to the UK. We transported the remains to the airport in Johannesburg and secured flights back to London Heathrow. The family had appointed a funeral director in their home town in England, which we provided with all the information and paperwork they would need for the funeral. We tracked the flight until its arrival in London and then clearance by customs, before collecting and transporting the remains to the family’s funeral director.

The challenge this time involved elections week in South Africa, which meant there could be a sudden change of office mid-way through the process

Often, families can become stuck trying to find a company who can support them with both the exhumation and then the repatriation. Usually, they may have to use two different companies for each part of the process which can be difficult to manage and expensive to complete. Homeland International can support with any funeral-related service, anywhere worldwide.