559 Indians died in Kuwait last year: Embassy

Dubai: A total of 559 Indians died in Kuwait last year, five per cent more than compared to 2013, according to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.

"The total number of deaths of Indian nationals registered with the Embassy during 2014 is 559, registering an increase of about five per cent over the deaths occurred in 2013," the embassy said in a statement.

During last three months (October-December 2014), there were 143 Indian deaths in Kuwait. Mortal remains of 112 Indian nationals were airlifted to India.

"The remaining 31 were buried in Kuwait as per the wishes of their family members. From those sent to India, 89 were transported within 1 - 5 days of reporting the death to the Embassy (4 days being the average time taken for transportation of the mortal remains)".

According to the embassy, the repatriation of mortal remains of 23 deceased persons took longer time ranging from 6-15 days.

"Delays in 23 cases occurred as police investigations were required to be conducted in cases of suicides, murders and traffic accidents. In some cases, local sponsors took time to complete formalities," the embassy said.

"Non-availability of flights and intervening holidays were among the other reasons contributing to delays in repatriation of mortal remains of Indian nationals from Kuwait," it added.