Repatriation Services

The time of a loved one’s death is always difficult; when it is overseas or interstate it only complicates matters further. Most people find repatriation an overwhelming notion, however, it is not as difficult as one might imagine. Allow us to help guide you through this process.

International Repatriation

There are times when Australians pass away while overseas or overseas visitors pass away in Australia. In such distressing scenarios, Hetherington Funerals can plan and coordinate the repatriation of your loved one to get them home again.

Domestic Repatriation

Interstate repatriation is similar but involves less paperwork. Hetherington Funerals offers local, regional, and interstate repatriation services, ensuring transfers are handled professionally, efficiently, and on time. We understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one, especially when the death occurs away from home and additional arrangements are needed.
 
Our goal is to manage all logistical details with professionalism and care, making the repatriation process seamless, no matter the location. You can rely on us for support during this difficult time.
 
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Seamless Support During a Difficult Time

At our funeral parlour in Perth, our compassionate specialist repatriation team specialise in coordinating repatriations to and from Australia, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process during an incredibly challenging time. We handle all the necessary paperwork and formalities on your behalf, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what matters most—honoring your loved one.

To help you better understand the process, here’s a step-by-step guide using an example:

Scenario 1: Repatriating Your Loved One from Perth to Canada

Step 1: Initial Care and Family Meeting

If your loved one has passed away in Perth and you wish to return them to Canada for burial, we begin by taking your loved one into our care. Next, we meet with the family to discuss the details and provide support. During this meeting, we gather the necessary information for the death certificate and collect the deceased’s passport. We will also establish contact with your funeral director of choice in Canada to ensure continuity in arrangements.

Step 2: Preparing for Repatriation

We will arrange for embalming, which is required by law for international transportation, and apply for a death certificate from the registry office. At the same time, we’ll book a flight and begin preparing the required documentation for the journey.

Step 3: Flight and Travel Logistics

Depending on the destination and specific paperwork required, the entire repatriation process typically takes between 2-3 weeks from the initial arrangements to the flight’s departure. Once everything is in place, we’ll make sure your loved one is safely transported to their final destination.

Step 4: Transition to Canadian Funeral Director

Once the flight departs, our involvement concludes, and the funeral director in Canada takes over to manage the final arrangements.

 

 

Scenario 2: Repatriating Your Loved One from Overseas to Perth

If the situation is reversed and your loved one has passed away overseas, requiring repatriation to Perth, we will coordinate all arrangements on this end. Upon arrival of the flight in Perth, we take your loved one into our care. From there, we will schedule a meeting with the family to finalize funeral arrangements, after which the standard funeral process will proceed.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hetherington Funerals handles both international and domestic repatriation with professionalism and care. Our services include managing all logistics, paperwork, embalming, and coordination with international funeral directors to ensure a smooth, stress-free process during a difficult time.

Yes, we offer both local, regional, and interstate repatriation services, as well as international repatriation, ensuring that your loved one is cared for and transported efficiently and respectfully, no matter where the journey takes them.

The process includes three main steps:

  1. Initial care and a family meeting to discuss details and gather necessary information.
  2. Preparing the body, obtaining the death certificate, and booking transportation.
  3. Handling the flight and all travel logistics, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.

Our funeral services always meet international repatriation requirements

Be aware that as repatriation requirements differ from country to country, repatriation time frames vary accordingly. In some cases, the repatriation process may take just a few days, in others it could take several weeks. It’s also important to note that transporting a loved one in or out of Australia falls under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Certain requirements, including official documentation, may also need to be met with the country to or from which the deceased will be transported. Professional help from a funeral parlour in Perth such as Hetherington Funerals is advisable to ensure a smooth repatriation.

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