It is possible to repatriate the deceased to the country where they wished to be buried.  Due to possible public health issues, there are some international procedures on how human remains are repatriated and hence Port Health Officials are involved in this procedure. 

The remains must be contained in a soldered inner coffin of lead/zinc or in repatriation foil wrapping, which is approved by the Environmental Health Directorate, which is then packed inside a wooden coffin.  In case of death by infectious disease, or when the remains are in an advanced state of putrefaction, the corpse is normally placed inside a body bag. The lid of the wooden coffin is screwed to the bottom and the screws are also sealed and covered by tamper-proof sealing sticker. The latter is again packed by a canvas or tarpaulin so that the contents is not apparent. 

Repatriation of human remains and ashes to or from or via Malta is carried under the supervision of Port Health Services – Health Inspectorate Services. EU Citizens and foreigners who wish to repatriate human remains should follow these guidelines.

The following documents must accompany the remains:

• Certificate of Death
• Certificate of Identity
• Certificate of Embalmment
• Burial Permit issued by the Burials Regulatory Unit / Coroner Clearance Form
• Document certifying that the human remains may be safely transported without any danger or risk to Public health.  This is issued by the Health Authority concerned.

A fee of €64 is charged as per L.N. 148 of 1998 (MT) amending L.N. 118 of 1975 (MT) as amended by Act No. XIII 2015 (MT) Implementing Budget Measures.

The graph indicates the number of repatriations per year since 2023.

BURIALS AT SEA

Sometimes, people’s last wishes also involve the method of their own burial.  If burial at sea is opted for, this is also done under the supervision of the Port Health Services – Health Inspectorate.

In the past years, the following amounts of burials at sea were supervised by the Inspectorate