Sridevis’ death highlights body repatriating issue in Dubai

MUMBAI: The death of Indian actress Sridevi in Dubai has highlighted a rarely-discussed issue affecting the families of deceased migrant workers in Gulf countries - long delays in repatriating their bodies.

The 54-year-old, who was widely regarded as India's first female superstar, died by accidental drowning in her hotel bathtub on February 24. Sridevi's body was flown from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India on February 27, and her funeral was held the following day.

In contrast, it has been nearly a month since migrant worker Bhojanna Arepally died of an unspecified illness in Muscat, the capital of Oman, according to migrant rights campaigner Bhim Reddy.

Arepally's body is expected to be flown to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad on March 1, said Reddy, who has been coordinating with authorities on repatriation. He said that it often takes months to return the bodies of deceased migrant workers.

The wait for Sridevi´s body to be returned triggered extensive media coverage, even as Indian embassy officials in UAE said procedures were being followed.

The case has sparked a wider conversation about migrant workers, which Reddy said he hopes will result in shorter wait times for the families of those who die overseas. "Thousands of them die in the Gulf region every year, but this is the first time the wait for bodies is being discussed," he said.