Filipinos who have succumbed to COVID-19 in the UAE undergo either a cremation or a burial process within 48 hours, pursuant to UAE regulations.
The country has several areas where cremations are conducted, including the New Sonapur Hindu Cremation Ground in Jebel Ali, and Al Foah Crematorium and Burial Facility in Al Ain to name a few.
Sources state that morgue services and cremation begin at a cost of Dh4800 (Php65,000). Cremation could only be done once all documentary requirements such as death certificate, police permits, a letter from the embassy, and payments have been processed.
The Philippine Embassy in the UAE stated that all necessary arrangements and documentary requirements should be prepared by the employer of the deceased.
“The Embassy has been advised that per UAE regulations, the remains of a foreign national who dies from COVID-19-related causes should either be cremated or buried within 48 hours. This should be arranged by the employer or company of the foreign national. In addition to the necessary documentation that the employer of said foreign national will need to accomplish with the Embassy, said employer needs to obtain from the family members of the deceased a certificate that they do not object to the cremation of remains,” said the statement from the Embassy.
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After the cremation is done, the ashes of the deceased will be turned over to a family member who lives here in the UAE. However, if there aren’t any, the Philippine Embassy states that it is the duty of the employer to get in touch with the family of the deceased in the Philippines to facilitate sending the ashes back home.
“If the next of kin are in the Philippines, the employer arranges the delivery of said ashes,” as per the Embassy’s statement.
Meanwhile, visit or tourist visa holders who die due to complications brought about by COVID-19 in the UAE will undergo the same procedures. The Embassy states that the family members would do the coordination in such cases: “It would be the family members that will coordinate with the Embassy regarding documentation, including further assistance as necessary.”
