Transportation of Mortal Remains of our Nationals to India

During the current calendar year from 1 January - 30 June, 2014, the Embassy has registered 258 deaths of Indian nationals in Kuwait. Out of this, 203 Indian nationals died due to natural cause (such as heart attack, sickness, age etc.) and 55 unnatural deaths (16 road accident, 13 work-site accident, 10 suicide, 6 murder, 3 gas inhale, 3 drowning, 2 fire accident, 1 fall from height & 1 unknown reason).  The mortal remains of 62 deceased Indian nationals were buried in Kuwait as per the wishes of their family members, whereas, the mortal remains of 196 Indian nationals were sent to India by air. The Embassy’s efforts are to help in early transport of the mortal remains to India. The procedure followed and time taken is as under: 

i)         Intimation of death: When an Indian national dies in Kuwait, the Embassy receives the information about the death from the employer/relatives of the deceased.  Accordingly, the Embassy issues an authority letter in favour of the informer/relative, for collection of death certificate, police report from the local authorities. 

ii)        Registration of death: Once death certificate is collected, it has to be endorsed by the local Foreign Office, translated into English and submitted in the Embassy along with the passport of the deceased for registration of death. The Embassy issues death certificate.

iii)      Burial of mortal remains: The cremation of mortal remains is not allowed in Kuwait.  The local authorities, however, allow permission for burial of mortal remains of Muslims/Non-Muslims in Kuwait. The family members who wish to bury the mortal remains of the deceased are generally advised by the local authority(s) to obtain an authority letter from the Embassy for the burial of the mortal remains in Kuwait.  The Embassy issues an authority letter after receiving the written consent of the family members for burial of the mortal remains in Kuwait. 

iv)      Transportation of mortal remains: After the registration of death, if mortal remains have to be transported to India, the relatives/employer is required to approach the airlines for issue of airway bill for transport of the mortal remains to India. The procedure is simple and not long drawn.  The mortal remains of the deceased are sealed in a wooden coffin in the Sabah Hospital only (as per the specifications of the Ministry of Health of the State of Kuwait) in the presence of a medical officer, representative of the Embassy and relatives / friends of the deceased.  Thereafter, mortal remains are sent to India by air.

v)        Time taken: The time taken for transporting mortal remains depend upon the nature of death and time taken in completing various formalities by Kuwait authorities and the availability of flights to the destination.

a.    In case of natural death(such as heart attack, sickness, age etc.), the mortal remains are sent to India generally within two to ten days depending on the time taken by the Kuwait authorities for completing various formalities and availability of flights. 

b.    In case of unnatural death(such as suicide, drowning, fire, traumatic injury, inhalation of gas, fall from height, work place, criminal activities etc.), the local authorities take considerable time for completion of their investigation into the case and give clearance for transportation of the mortal remains.  In such cases, it generally takes two to four weeks for transportation of the mortal remains from the date of intimation of the death. As disposal of mortal remains other than burial is not allowed in Kuwait, in majority of cases, the mortal remains are transported to India. In cases of destitute Indian nationals, the Embassy arranges the airlifting of the mortal remains of the deceased to India by Air India (or other airlines) and the expenditure is met from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).

vi)      Embassy Support: The Embassy guides informants/company on procedural requirements for the repatriation of the mortal remains. During the first half of 2014, the Embassy paid for air transport of the mortal remains of 16 deceased Indian nationals from Kuwait to India, while mortal remains of 180 deceased Indian nationals were sent to India by air by the employers/relatives of the deceased. The Embassy provides air tickets to destitute Indian nationals to return to their homeland, as well as pay for air transportation of mortal remains of destitute Indian nationals to India.

vii)     The details of the deceased Indian nationals, whose mortal remains were airlifted to India, with air transportation provided by the Embassy, are provided for information of Indian community in Kuwait, for the period 1 January - 30 June, 2014.

2.       For any further information or assistance in the matter, please contact on 24x7 basis to the following officers in the Embassy;

i)     Mr B K Upadhyay, Counsellor

Tel: 22530600 Extn 203,   Mob: 97224029

ii)    Mr M K Xaxa, Attache, Welfare

Tel: 22530600 Extn 277,   Mob: 97291468

iii)  Mr Deepak Seth, Local staff

Tel : 22530600 Extn 271,   Mob: 66565703

3.       Your suggestion in the matter may please be sent to the Ambassador of India, Kuwait at amb.kuwait@indembkwt.org, ambss@indembkwt.org,

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Travel Advisory for Indian Nationals in Iraq​

The security situation in Iraq continues to be fragile. A travel advisory had been issued on 15 June 2014 for Indian nationals in Iraq.

Due to the uncertain and difficult security environment, Indian nationals in Iraq are again advised to remain indoors if they are in conflict-prone areas and to leave the country on voluntary basis by commercial means, in areas where it is safe to do so. Indian nationals are advised to refrain from undertaking travel to Iraq until further notice. Airports in the cities of Erbil, Baghdad, Basra and Najaf are reported to be operational at present.

Indian nationals in Iraq who need assistance in this regard may wish to contact the Indian Embassy in Baghdad on the 24 hour helpline as per the contact details indicated in the previous travel advisory of 15 June, 2014.

Tel. No. +964 770 444 4899 (Mobile)

Tel No. +964 770 484 3247 (Mobile)

Email: amb.baghdad@mea.gov.in

hoc.baghdad@mea.gov.in
cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in
edubaghdad@yahoo.com
Website: www.indianembassybaghdad.in

The Indian Embassy in Baghdad will shortly open camp offices in Najaf, Karbala and Basra for the convenience of Indian nationals in Iraq. Details will be intimated once these offices are set up.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) 2015

The Government of India has decided to hold the next Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD-2015) at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat in January 2015.

The effort would be to have more meaningful and interactive sessions that would address the issues and concerns of the overseas Indian community effectively. Since 2015 marks the hundredth anniversary of the return of the greatest “PRAVASI” of all, Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa, it is desired that PBD-2015 would be celebrated in a grand way.

The detailed programme of PBD-2015 is being prepared and will be uploaded on the Embassy’s Website in due course.

More detailed information on Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD-2015) can be accessed at the Ministry of Overseas India Affairs’ website (https://www.moia.gov.in).    

In our effort to reach out to the local police authorities to develop link between Indian Community and Police, Counsellor Shri B K Upadhyay in the Indian Embassy along with community representatives recently met the Officer-in-charge of 4 police stations where the Indians are residing in large numbers i.e. Abbasiya, Fahaheel, Farwaniya, and Salmiya. During the interactions, a wide range of issues were discussed to improve security and better coordination.

2.     Based on discussion with the police officers, following advice is given to Indian community:-

(i)     The major issue which was highlighted by community related to checking by persons impersonating as police officers. It was informed that Indians are being duped by using the confiscated civil IDs by way of making big purchase. It is advised to seek the police ID from the persons posing as policemen. During the meeting, the police officers informed that the real police would always show the Police ID and in case of any resistance, chances are that the persons are impersonating. As a standard practice worldwide, the police must show ID when in civil dress and even in Uniform.  In case of doubt, one is advised to approach the concerned police station and verify the fact.

(ii)    Whenever one is visiting Police Station related to reporting of crime and any follow up, an Arabic knowing friend should be taken along. The Indian community representatives have been requested to give list of Arabic speaking Indians, who can volunteer to help an Indian when such a need arises.  

(iii)      Various instances have come to notice when Indian nationals were duped for signing in Arabic written papers. Police authorities have advised that if those who do not know Arabic language, should not sign any paper which is in Arabic. It is advised to take an Arabic-knowing person with you who can inform you about the content of the letter. The law authorizes a person not to sign if he/she is not aware of the content of letter. Similarly giving blank signed bank cheques and one’s passport as surety to someone else is improper.

(iv)     Several instances have come to notice in Khaitan, Salmiya, Shuwaikh, etc when the workers were waiting on footpath for daily wages work. Such persons are generally detained during security checking by the police and deported. Such persons are generally on domestic visa and working outside is illegal. If someone is not getting job, better remain in the house. Don’t roam freely for searching jobs on road.

(v)         Police authorities are ready to meet community representatives at regular intervals. Hence Indian embassy would like to advise the Indian community representatives to meet regularly with the police authorities which would create better understanding and coordination. Embassy would be happy to coordinate such efforts of the Indian community.

(vi)           All must abide by the local laws and regulations regarding prohibition of alcohol in the State of Kuwait.

Indian Embassy on “Parking Problems”

We are aware of the parking problems faced by the visiting Indian community to the Embassy premises. For Community events held at the Embassy Auditorium our Security Guards are helping and guiding everyone in parking of their cars in an orderly manner. Malaysian Embassy, which is only 50 meters away from the Indian Embassy, has free parking space for all those visiting the Embassy.

Letter to Associations in Kuwait

Amid reports of security raids on 6/6/2014 in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Murghab, Fahaheel, Abu Halifa, Al-Rai, Friday Market and some adjacent areas in Shuwaikh wherein approximate 820 expatriates were rounded for violating various Kuwaiti rule and regulations, Counsellor  B K Upadhyay has met  Maj Gen Abdul Fatah Al-Ali, Assistant Under Secretary, Public Security Affairs, MOI, Kuwait on 10/06/2014 to discuss the issues involved and appraise few complaint received from Indians. Following advice is given to Indian community to avoid them get involved in illegal activities and later being deported.

1.     Recent raid was conducted based on complains received from various Ministries particularly Municipality, Commerce and Labour that expatriates were involved in selling used clothes, waste vegetables, expired food products etc at cheaper rates  in the residential colonies and side of cooperatives. Such street type vendors are unauthorized and creating problems affecting the functioning of above ministries. 

2.     Before making raids, the residences, market area, outside cooperatives, etc were photographed and the activities of such persons have been so that such persons could be segregated from casual visitors. So details were collected in advance by police before planning raids.

3.     Those who are detained due to case lodged by their sponsor could be released by their sponsor only. It was informed that details of cases against individual have been computerized and one can get it checked oneself. In case of absconding cases, any individual can visit the Ministry of Labour and submit that one is not absconding. He is working out because the sponsor failed to give him work. He can insist that Sponsor may be called and he is ready to go back with him.

4.     Maj Gen Abdul Fatah Al-Ali He further said that let these people have an authorization letter from the Sponsor that he is permitting them to work outside.

5.     On query regarding fear of night checking, it was informed that there would be no night checking and public need not to fear from it. In case anybody coming for night checking in civil dress, please ask for identity card and inform on number 112 of such checking. Police would help is such cases.  

Please avoid spreading unsubstantiated rumours and do not create panic situation. Out of 820 expatriates who were rounded up on 6/6/2014, 720 were released after verification.  Out of these 60 who were rounded for the above mentioned illegal activities, only 15-20 are Indians.  That too there are photographs and video recording of their illegal activities. The Embassy will continue to render all help to the members of India community.

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Availability of the Embassy Auditorium

You are aware that the Auditorium in the Indian Embassy has been  available to all Indian Associations/nationals to organize their social/cultural events since January 2014. 

2.       As a special gesture, during the summer months of June, July and August 2014, the Auditorium will be available at reduced charge of KD100/- per event.

3.       Please note that on working days, the Auditorium will be available from 1830hrs to 2200hrs and on holidays/weekends, it will be available from 0930hrs onwards till 2200hrs.  For early booking of the Auditorium, please contact:

Mr. Shiv Sagar

Second Secretary (Community Affairs and Education)

Phone No. 22562151

Mobile No. 97229915

E-mail:  fscce@indembkwt.org

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Setting up of Non-Resident Indian Forum, Karnataka

1. The Embassy is happy to inform that a Non-Resident Indian Forum Karnataka has been established by the Government of Karnataka.  Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka is the Chairman of this organization. 

2.       The key objectives of the organization are as follows:

(i) To encourage and promote all the activities those are in line with the interests of NRIs residing overseas;

(ii) To provide assistance to NRIs residing overseas in promoting literary and cultural activities of Karnataka, thus building a bonding between the countries;

(iii) To promote, formulate and implement programs of interest to NRIs in the field of Education, Technology transfer, Science and Research;

(iv) To establish a platform of Skill Bank and Knowledge for the benefit of society; and

(v)  To assist NRIs working overseas in moments of crisis in close coordination with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, New Delhi and respective Embassies.

3.       The contact details of Non-Resident Indian Forum, Karnataka are as under:

Shri V.C. Prakash,

Deputy Chairman,

Non-Resident Indian Forum,

Karnataka Government of Karnataka,

R.No. 6&7, Vikasa Soudha,

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi,

Bangalore – 560001 Karnataka,

India, Phone No. +91 80 22374818 Fax No.     +91 80 22374708

E-mail:   info@nriforumkarnataka.org Website:  www.nriforumkarnataka.org

4.       All Indian Associations, particularly those from Karnataka, are requested to send their particulars directly to Non-Resident Indian Forum, Karnataka at the earliest convenience.

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Advisory regarding narcotics/drugs for Indian Community in Kuwait

There is, unfortunately, an increasein cases relating to detention / arrest of Indian nationals on alleged charges of carrying or possessing narcotic drugs in Kuwait. Out of 260 Indian nationals who are currently in Kuwaiti Jails, 137 persons are facing crimes related to drugs. 

2.                                It may be noted that the punishment under the Kuwaiti laws for violation of drug related crimes may lead to life imprisonment or even death.  If anybody is caught by local authorities on account of use / possession / trade / transportation of narcotics/drugs or any related prohibited item, it could be difficult for the Embassy to help/intervene in the matter as the case will be dealt with as per Kuwaiti laws.  Therefore, one must strictly obey rules and regulations regarding the laws about drugs in this country.

3.                                With a view to creating high awareness among the Indian nationals in the matter, the Embassy would like to bring the following information for their attention:

What are Narcotics/Drugs?

4.                                There are, generally, many kinds of drugs some are prescribed while others are known as club drugs, illicit or illegal substances and designer drugs, which include:

(i)                Antidepressants,

(ii)             Barbiturates,

(iii)           Cannabis,

(iv)           Depressants,

(v)             Hallucinogens,

(vi)           Inhalants,

(vii)        Narcotics[Marijuana, Morphine, Cocaine, Heroin, Dry ICE, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamines (speed)].

(viii)      Steroids,

(ix)           Stimulants,

(x)             Tobacco.

(The list is only indicative and not exhaustive).

Suggestions for taking precaution and/or safety tips for Indian community

5.       As per the statements of inmates, it was observed that friends or relatives of expatriate living in Kuwait, contacts the passenger and hand over packets/gifts/small bags etc in India for delivering to their relatives in Kuwait.  Please avoid such things as many times these tricks were done to use you as courier. These things may contain narcotics or prohibited medicines which would result in your arrest and punishment in Kuwait. Strictly avoid accepting any such packet or gift from strangers at airport or with a person you develop friendship during travel. Please refuse accepting any such items given by him.

6.     Further, the monetary temptation should be avoided where you are asked to visit a place, hold a packet, keep packet/friends attaché / suitcases with you for some time, etc are some of the tricks which may land you up in the police net with jail term for transporting/possessing narcotics.

Use/carrying of Prescription Medicine from India to Kuwait

7.     The general medicine should be brought with doctor’s prescription and the quantity should not exceed 2 weeks’ requirement. Further, Ayurvedic/Homeopathic medicine due to its composition can be construed as containing alcohol while narcotics can be camouflaged as white sugar pills. Hence one should be careful while bringing these medicines and must carry doctor’s prescription and possess limited quantity. One must check also with the Kuwaiti authorities about latest updates on regulations governing carrying of medicines from abroad.

8.     The above guidelines are indicative and issued in the interest of the Indian community for taking adequate precautions and to strictly observe the laws of land relating to narcotics/drugs in Kuwait.

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PRESS RELEASE

CONSULAR  WING  TO  FUNCTION  ON  BUDDHA  PURNIMA

          The Embassy of India will remain closed on Wednesday,

 14th May, 2014 on account of Buddha Purnima.

2.     However, Consular Wing  will remain open  for Passport, Visa and Attestation Services for the benefit of General Public.

Kuwait

11 May,2014

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Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)

              For the welfare of Indian Community residing in Kuwait, the Indian Embassy has been providing financial assistance to distressed Indian Workers from the Indian Community Welfare Fund. During the period January- March 2014, the Embassy has incurred expenditure of KD 7,302.970 plus US $ 10,000/- for providing assistance to Indian nationals.

2.         The Embassy has been providing the following services in most demanding cases:

i.        Boarding and lodging for distressed Indian Workers in domestic sectors (Article 20 visa);
ii. Extending emergency medical care to the Overseas Indians;
iii.  Providing air passage to stranded and distressed Overseas Indians; and
iv.      Expenditure on incidentals and for airlifting the mortal remains to India of the deceased Overseas Indians in cases where the sponsor is unable or unwilling to do so as per the contract and the family is also unable to meet the cost.

3.     The number of cases during the period January-March 2014 in which Embassy provided air ticket, medical care and contingency travel expenses to the distressed Indian Workers are as under :

                                               (Period January –March 2014)

          TheEmbassy has added a number of new features on its Website (www.indembkwt.org) in recent months, so as to keep it up-to-date and user friendly for the viewers. Some of the new features that have been added are as under:-

(1)          Facebook and Twitter have been introduced.

(2)          Replies, to the reactions and queries of Indian Community on Facebook and Twitter, are regularly being given by the Embassy.

(3)          Contact telephone numbers of all officers have been given on the Website so that one can reach them on 24/7 basis. 

(4)          Helpline number, useful India and Kuwait links (which are user-friendly) are given on the Home Page.

(5)          Arabic translation of the relevant portion, pertaining to Consular and Visa matters, has been included by giving a link on the Blue Bar. (Language ICON)

(6)          The facility of Mobile application permitting downloading of MEA forms such as  Passport can be done on ANDRIOD or iPHONE applications.

(7)           Quick links and India Tourism links have been given on the Home Page.

(8)          The video link for the National Anthem of both countries has been given on the top right hand corner of the Website.

(9)           Air India, Jet Airways and Kuwait Airways links have been put up at an appropriate place for the benefit of Indian expatriates.

(10)       Embassy’s Auditorium has been hosting events of different Indian Associations regularly from January 2014 and photographs of these events can be seen at the bottom of Home Page.

(11)       Weekly Economic Bulletin, icons of Facebook, Twitter, Flicker and BLS site links are available on the Embassy’s Website. 

(12)       One can easily view official functions by clicking on the video (Arrow mark), which is below the black bar of India Tourism & Quick links.

(13)       Information about NRIs in the Gulf & LIC is given as a link at the bottom of the Home Page, besides the Community Portal of Indians in Kuwait.

            The Embassy invites suggestions for improvements on its Website. The Embassy shall welcome all shades of opinion and it will be its endeavour to accommodate your suggestions. The objective is to make the Embassy’s Website  more user-friendly, helpful and informative to the viewers.

All suggestions in this regard may please be posted on the Embassy’s  Facebook and Twitter or sent by E-mail to ssinfo@indembkwt.org   

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1.     It is compulsory to fill the visa application online. The proper website address is www.indianvisaonline.gov.inOnce the online application is filled, the printout is taken for submitting to the outsource visa centre at BLS International Sharq and Fahaheel. In case of Special and diplomatic passports, the application has to be submitted to Embassy of India, Kuwait.

2.     There is no provision of online payment of visa fee. So any website asking for visa fee by credit/debit card is fake website. The visa fee is actually deposited as cash in the outsourcing centre at BLS International Sharq and Fahaheel with the copy of online filled application.

3.     Any such instances of fake website should be brought to the immediate notice of the Embassy of India by email (ssinfo@indembkwt.org) or mobile to Mr. A.K. Srivastava (mob number 97229914).