The family of a 33-year-old Indian man who died in the United Arab Emirates is appealing to authorities to urgently facilitate the return of his body home for burial.

S Gopinath, a fisherman from Nayakkarkuppam village near Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu’s Mayiladuthurai district, travelled to the UAE about seven months ago to work as a construction fitter. His family was informed on September 9 that he had died under uncertain circumstances in the UAE.

More than 10 days after his death, Gopinath’s body had reportedly still not been repatriated. His family subsequently approached the Mayiladuthurai district administration, seeking intervention to speed up the necessary procedures and bring his remains home.

The family has also appealed to the Indian government and the Tamil Nadu authorities to intervene and help resolve the delays surrounding the repatriation.

According to relatives, Gopinath was the sole breadwinner of his family, making his sudden death particularly devastating. Residents of his village have also called on authorities to provide financial assistance to the bereaved family.

The case highlights the difficulties families can face when trying to repatriate the remains of loved ones who die while working abroad, particularly when official procedures and investigations delay the return of the body.