TRANSPORTATION OF MORTAL REMAINS under Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)

The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), set up in 2009 and extended to all Indian Missions abroad, provides limited financial assistance to Indian nationals in distress abroad on a 'most deserving cases' and 'means tested' basis. The revised ICWF guidelines are operational w.e.f. September 1, 2017.

Q13. What is the ICWF and who administers it?

• The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is a fund established by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India in 2009.

• It is administered by Indian Missions and Posts abroad — including the Embassy of India, Paris.

• Its purpose is to assist Indian nationals in genuine distress situations abroad, in the most deserving cases, on a means-tested basis.

• ICWF is not an unlimited entitlement — assistance is subject to fund availability and approval by the competent authority at the Mission.

Full ICWF guidelines: https://www.mea.gov.in/icwf.htm

Q14. Can ICWF be used for the transportation of mortal remains to India?

• Yes. One of the key uses of ICWF is to fund the transportation of mortal remains of deceased Indian nationals to India, or to cover the cost of local burial/cremation in France.

• This applies specifically in cases where:

• The employer, sponsor, or insurance company is unable or unwilling to bear the cost

• The family in India is financially unable to bear the cost

• Both full and partial assistance are possible depending on the case and available funds.

Q15. Who is eligible for ICWF assistance?

Eligible:

• Indian citizens residing in France (or visiting France) who are in genuine distress

• Families of deceased Indian nationals who cannot afford repatriation costs

Not Eligible:

• Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) — i.e., holders of foreign passports of Indian origin

• Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Cardholders — OCI holders are foreign nationals and are not eligible for individual ICWF financial assistance

• Indian nationals who entered France illegally — though the Head of Mission may use discretion in exceptional circumstances

OCI Cardholders and PIO holders are NOT eligible for individual ICWF financial assistance. Only Indian citizens holding valid Indian passports are eligible.

Q16. Does ICWF cover the full cost of repatriation?

• Not always. ICWF assistance is limited and is subject to:

• Availability of funds at the Mission

• Assessment of the financial condition of the family

• Approval by the competent authority at the Embassy

• In some cases, full expenses may be covered; in others, only partial assistance is provided.

• ICWF does not replace insurance or employer obligations — if the employer or insurance is obligated to pay, ICWF is used only to supplement or bridge any gap.

Families are advised to first check whether the deceased held any travel, life, or repatriation insurance. Employer or sponsor contracts (especially for migrant workers) may also include repatriation provisions.

Q17. What is the process to request ICWF assistance?

1. Submit a written request to the Embassy of India, Paris as soon as possible

2. Clearly explain the circumstances of the death and the financial situation of the family

3. Attach all required supporting documents (see Q18)

4. The Embassy reviews the case and makes an assessment

5. If approved by the competent authority, ICWF assistance is sanctioned

6. Payment may be made directly to the funeral agency upon sanction

In emergency situations, the Embassy prioritises ICWF requests. Submit your request at the earliest — do not wait for all documents before reaching out to the Embassy.

Q18. What documents are required to apply for ICWF assistance?

• Written request letter from the family/next of kin explaining the circumstances

• Proof of financial hardship (e.g., bank statement, income declaration, letter from employer)

• Copy of the deceased's Indian passport

• French Death Certificate (or provisional death documentation if the formal certificate is pending)

• Embalming and Coffin Sealing Certificates (if available at the time of request)

• Consent letter / authorisation from the next of kin

• Funeral agency quote or invoice (confirming cost of repatriation or local burial/cremation)

• Proof that employer, sponsor, or insurance is unable or unwilling to cover costs (if applicable)

Do not delay submitting your ICWF request because some documents are pending. Reach out to the Embassy first with the information you have — additional documents can be submitted as they become available.

Q19. How long does ICWF approval take?

• ICWF requests related to repatriation of mortal remains are treated as priority cases.

• The Embassy processes such requests on an expedited basis given the time-sensitive nature of funeral and repatriation arrangements.

• However, approval is subject to an internal review and sanction process — the timeline depends on:

• Completeness of the submitted documents

• Verification of eligibility and financial need

• Availability of ICWF funds at the Mission

• Contact the Consular Section of the Embassy for the most up-to-date status of your request.

Q20. Can the Embassy pay the funeral agency directly under ICWF?

• Yes. Once ICWF assistance is approved, the Embassy may make payment directly to the appointed funeral agency.

• This avoids the need for the family to arrange funds upfront in a distress situation.

• Direct payment is subject to:

• Formal approval of the ICWF request

• The family's written consent and authorisation of the funeral agency

• The funeral agency providing a formal invoice or cost estimate

Q21. What other types of distress assistance does ICWF cover beyond repatriation?

ICWF can also assist with:

• Boarding and lodging for stranded or distressed Indian nationals abroad (means-tested, budget category)

• Air passage to India for stranded Indian nationals

• Legal assistance for Indian nationals who have committed minor offences, are falsely implicated, or are in detention — including fishermen, seamen, and students

• Legal and financial assistance to Indian women abandoned, cheated, or abused by NRI/PIO or foreign spouses (within seven years of marriage)

• Payment of small fines and penalties for minor offences or illegal stay where the Indian national is not at fault

• Emergency medical care for Indian nationals involved in serious accidents or with life-threatening medical conditions

• Emergency evacuation from conflict zones or natural disasters

OCI Cardholders and PIOs are NOT eligible for any individual ICWF financial assistance, even for the categories listed above.

Q22. Is there a passport endorsement after ICWF assistance is received?

• Yes. As per MEA guidelines, a mandatory endorsement is made in the passport of the ICWF beneficiary and in the relevant Mission database.

• This endorsement records that the individual has received ICWF assistance.

• Families and applicants should be aware of this requirement before applying.

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