Die overseas, bear the costs
If it so happens that you die while overseas you will be on your own because currently government does not have a standing policy on the repatriation of the remains of Batswana who die abroad.
This came to light following a question that was tabled by Selebi-Phikwe West legislator, Dithapelo Keorapetse in Parliament requesting the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to consider revising its policy and assist with the repatriation of the remains of deceased Batswana who die in foreign countries, especially families that are unable to meet the costs.
Keorapetse stated that in the past Members of Parliament (MP) had been requested by distressed bereaved families to assist and the only help they could accord was to give referrals to Foreign Affairs and or missions abroad.
“It costs up to or more than P100,000 to P200,000 to fly a body from overseas depending on the distance. This is prohibitively exorbitant for an average Botswana family. Given that Batswana living overseas do not die regularly, and that most families are unable to meet these costs, shouldn’t the government step in to assist with transportation of their remains?” asked Keorapetse.
He further stated that the other difficulty is referring the matter to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to assist through social protection funds after assessing the family to ascertain their inability or otherwise to meet the obligations. He said this process was problematic because the measure is that of a destitute meaning in other words most families would not qualify to meet destitute status on assessment, but would still be unable to meet the expensive cost.
“P100,000 is a lot of money for an average family to raise within days. Does it not bother this government to see calls for contributions from distressed families crying to caring Batswana to assist with the repatriation of loved ones’ remains? What damage do we suffer as a country whilst families request for help and social media is awash with their request?” he asked.
Responding to Keorapetse’s question, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kabo Morwaeng who is the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, said the government does not have a standing policy on the repatriation of the remains of Batswana who die while abroad.
However, he stated that the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation under its mandate of providing consular services to Batswana abroad assists by facilitating the families to follow processes established in respective countries.
“Repatriation of human remains to one’s country involves a lot of organisation and processes including close liaison between various parties such as families in Botswana, funeral undertakers and representatives in the jurisdiction appointed by the next of kin of the deceased. The ministry and its missions abroad assist by finding out all that needs to be done in the countries where this would have happened,” Morwaeng said.
He further stated that it also informs and receives families where possible, assists with following the processes as well as issuing the necessary official documents, which are usually required for clearance of the deceased in the repatriation process.
“In the year 2021-2022 the ministry has facilitated the repatriation of the 10 remains of Batswana, one in America, two in Asia, one in Europe and six in South Africa. The biggest challenge in the repatriation process of the deceased is expectations by families for the government to automatically provide financial assistance,” Morwaeng said.