The "Ultimate Guardian" of Human Remains: Understanding the International Repatriation Industry

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the frequency of epidemics, natural disasters and other events. While the world is focused on the number of deaths, the lives lost are not just a number. There is a group of people who play a vital role in bringing the body "home" – the international repatriation industry.

Although not a new industry, it is not one that is widely known. Indeed, it is only when one is required to use it that one becomes aware of its existence.

The industry's purpose is simply to transport human remains to their destination. However, this is not the full picture, as the industry deals with "people" and "humanity", as well as "life and death".

How do you think through the process of arranging for the bereaved to be at the place of the incident and bringing home the remains of the deceased? The process is complex, with numerous units involved and intertwined. It is perhaps more complicated than one might initially assume.

The Asia Funeral & Cemetery Expo & Conference (AFE) Hong Kong 2024 included a seminar on "Challenges and Developments in the Repatriation Industry". The panelists included senior international industry players, such as Dominic Vernhes, CEO of Anubis Group Holding (France), Fabrice Kana, Chief Operating Officer of Anubis Group Holding, and Michael Lee, General Manager of Sino International Funeral Service Ltd.

Standing between the Living and the Dead as a Mourner

During the seminar, Dominic posited that the matter of death is still depressing, regardless of how many times one experiences it: “Being in the situation in this industry is that of course we want to perform well, but definitely not in this way. It shouldn't be from a business point of view, but humanity and love. More precisely, our job is not just to 'go to work' but to serve."

He highlighted the necessity for staff to act as intermediaries between the living and the dead, ensuring the appropriate transportation of the body and providing support to the bereaved. The duration of this emotional process varies depending on the circumstances of the case, ranging from days to weeks. It is crucial to consider the location of the incident and the remains in question.

"It's very common to hear people say that they didn't know they could use a service like this. I think it's true that the nature of the industry doesn't allow for much promotion and exposure, telling the public that we're doing a repatriation service. I think 'we are there at the right time or at the unexpected time, in any place, in any situation' describes what we do.”

Professionalism in the Face of Challenges

Asked how extensive the process of handling an international repatriation case is, Fabrice said, "It's not complicated, but it's a lot of work. We have to take into account the systems of each country, the cultural background and the emotions of the bereaved, to name a few."

The process entails the removal of the body from the hospital, the performance of an autopsy, if necessary, the coordination with local police, the embalming of the body, the identification of a casket or container suitable for international transportation of the body, the facilitation of the deceased's entry and exit or other governmental formalities with the embassy, the determination of whether to transport the ashes or the body, and the selection of the mode of transportation, whether by road or air.

In addition to the aforementioned challenges, another significant hurdle arises in the form of the industrial ecosystem.

"In the case of labour, for example, the relevant industry workers do not exist in every part of the globe, so contacts and social networks are important. External factors are also out of our control, such as flight schedules, changes in national policies, insurance claim terms and so on. We try our best and are professional in our handling and arrangements, but there are still many unforeseen circumstances and variables that we can't do anything about."

Furthermore, the speakers emphasized the necessity of increasing public awareness of international repatriation and improving the quality of service globally. This would help to challenge the public's stereotypes and myths about the funeral sector industry and facilitate its transition to a more mature stage.

The Asia Funeral & Cemetery Expo & Conference (AFE) Hong Kong, organized by Brilliant Vertical Exhibition and supported by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in May. The event attracted more than 2,500 buyers, visiting groups, associations, and officials of the funeral industry from 35 countries.

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