NAFD announces improvements to repatriation support service
The influx of migrant workers, prompted by the enlargement of the European Union, and the fact that more and more UK nationals are deciding to retire abroad, means that repatriation is becoming an increasingly important part of the funeral director’s work.
In association with Rowland Brothers International – one of the leading authorities in the repatriation of human remains – the National Association of Funeral Directors has been operating a free Repatriation Helpline, offering members advice on all aspects of repatriation within the UK and overseas.
The Repatriation Helpline has typically provided free advice on the documentation demanded by UK authorities, airlines and foreign embassies; the role of consulates and the differing repatriation procedures around the world.
In response to the changing market in which you operate, the Association is pleased to announce a new benefit of membership. It is relaunching the helpline as part of the NAFD Repatriation Service, which has been developed with, and will be provided by, Rowland Brothers International.
Members will not only enjoy the lowest freight rates available to and from airports around the world, but can also call on an experienced, multi-lingual team to translate documents and advise on worldwide repatriation regulations from A to Z.
Rowland Brothers International will co-ordinate arrangements on behalf of NAFD members, including UK customs clearance for the deceased, export licenses to non-EU destinations and document processing at the Foreign Office, Embassy or consulate. Collection from the airport and delivery to any UK funeral director can also be arranged.
As many funeral directors like to organise repatriations themselves, Rowland Brothers International recently launched its Flight Only Service, providing the flight booking only and allowing funeral directors to be more involved in the repatriation process.
All support provided through the NAFD Repatriation Service is available at a specially discounted rate for NAFD members and will be tailored in accordance with the requirements of each individual business – enabling members to get involved in as little or as much of the process as they wish.
“Repatriation is a specialised activity and while some funeral directors are quite at home organising certain parts of the process, they do not have the confidence that comes with working in this area day in, day out, and would welcome a helping hand,” says NAFD chief executive officer Alan Slater.
“Some members are inclined to shy away from repatriation altogether because they do not have the knowledge required, but we do not believe they can afford to turn away business over the long term, which is why we have developed the NAFD Repatriation Service.”
Rowland Brothers International is well-known within the NAFD and has come up with a flexible, cost-effective solution that will meet members’ needs and enable them to gain in experience and develop their own skills.
“The NAFD Repatriation Service will provide a wide range of support services to NAFD members of all sizes, but is likely to be of particular interest to firms which come into the small business category,” says Rowland Brothers International managing director Tony Rowland.
“The aim is to give NAFD members a choice – we are happy to take on full responsibility for repatriation or to deal with just a few specific arrangements, so that the funeral director can take hands on charge of the process.
“It doesn’t matter to what extent an NAFD member involves Rowland Brothers International in repatriation, we will make sure they are kept informed of developments so that they remain in control and can reassure bereaved families.”